Make a Guanín!

Taíno chiefs (called “caciques”) wore a gold medallion around their neck to symbolize their power. You can make your own “guanín” to wear in about 20 minutes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Scissors
• Poster board or lightweight cardboard
• A circle template 3″-5″ wide (an empty soup or coffee can is good)
• Markers, paints, or crayons
• Yarn or string

Here’s what to do:

1. Trace around the can onto the poster board to create a circle.
2. Now you can decorate the circle. Use one of the Taíno symbols below or make up one of your own.
3. Poke a hole in the top of the circle and string it onto the yarn.
4. Place it around your neck and now you are the ruler of your own yucayeque (village)!

Coquí (frog)

Sol (sun)

Caracol (snail)

From Taíno: The Activity Book, © Exit Studio