2017 (Legacy): Authors Keegan and Hofman argue that relying on singular names for indigenous groups creates a false impression of a “homogeneous cultural lan…

2017 (Legacy): Authors Keegan and Hofman argue that relying on singular names for indigenous groups creates a false impression of a “homogeneous cultural landscape” in the pre-Columbian Caribbean. They suggest that labels based on reconstructed languages often mask the true cultural and ethnic diversity that Europeans encountered upon their arrival. To move beyond these limitations, the book emphasizes the unique historical trajectories of different island chains, such as the Bahamas and the Lesser Antilles. The authors advocate for an approach that views the Caribbean as a vibrant, multifaceted region rather than a collection of uniform “blocks.” This perspective is essential for a more accurate reconstruction of the complex social identities of the first islanders.