Kalipuna Gold Earrings

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were initially inhabited by the Arawak people, known for their deep understanding of the land and sea. They developed complex systems of agriculture and fishing that reflected their harmonious relationship with the natural world. The Caribs, who called themselves Kalipuna or Kwaib (modern terms Garifuna and Carib), originated on the South American mainland and had invaded the island. During a series of battles, many Arawak men were killed, and the Kalipuna warriors took Arawak women as wives.

In 1635, two Spanish ships carrying Nigerian enslaved captives shipwrecked off the island of St Vincent, and the survivors swam to shore to seek refuge. They intermingled with the Arawak-Kalipuna natives, whose descendants are known to the English as Black Caribs but are referred to in their native language as Garifuna or Garinagu.