c. AD 1200 – 1500 (Theory): Keegan and Hofman argue that the “generic Taíno” stereotype, which generalizes practices reported in one location to all islands, should be viewed as a point of…

c. AD 1200 – 1500 (Theory): Keegan and Hofman argue that the “generic Taíno” stereotype, which generalizes practices reported in one location to all islands, should be viewed as a point of departure. They emphasize that while ethnohistoric documents provide a basis for interpreting indigenous culture, they must be viewed within the context of specific historical contingencies and local variations. Archaeological evidence often reveals a level of diversity in social and material practices that colonial summaries tend to overlook or simplify. By moving beyond these generic descriptions, researchers can better appreciate the unique historical trajectories of different Caribbean communities.