Caciques were the leaders of communities called Yucayeques. Caciques have been found to have different levels of leadership, possibly based off of territory size. Based off the findings of archeological excavation sites, some Caciques may have been subjects of higher level Caciques. The lineage was carried on through the maternal line. For example, the Cacique's heir would not be his son, but rather his sister's son. The matron's daughter would carry on the Cacique's line. If there was no eligible male heir available when a Cacique passed, females from the maternal line were able to take on the role. A notable female Cacique was Anacaona, who took over her brother Behequío's role as Cacique after he passed away.
Notable Caciques
Hatuey was a cacique who united African and Taínos to build a resistance force against the Spanish. When Hatuey was led to his execution in 1512, a friar offered him eternal salvation if he converted to Christianity. He asked if all good Christians went to Heaven. When he was told that they did, he said he would rather go to hell.
Caguax was the cacique of Turabo, in Borikén (Puerto Rico). Caguax favored negotiation with the Spanish to try to protect his people. After the Taíno first revolted in 1511, Caguax was one of only two Caciques to accept a peace agreement with Ponce deLeon. But in 1511 Ponce deLeon was replaced as governor by Juan Cerón, by order of Diego Colon. Juan Cerón took Caguax captive, enslaved his people, and forced Caguax to become his personal servant.
Anacaona was the wife of the cacique of Maguana and the sister of the cacique of Xaragua (in Española). When her husband was captured for attacking the Spanish, she returned to her brother Behequío (Bohechío) as an advisor. When her brother died, Anacaona became Caciqua. She was a powerful leader who worked for peace and coexistence between the Taino and the Spanish. But in 1503, the governor Ovando visited Xaragua. Anacaona welcomed him with a lavish areito with her caciques in attendance. In return, Ovando detained Anacaona and forced her to watch as the Spanish executed all her caciques. She was hanged afterwards, accused of plotting an insurrection.