This series of Folk Saints and Heroes is based around connecting to the Land through the Ancestors of Place and the energies and spirits they venerated, so it only seems fitting to begin with one of the Indigenous Ancestors who loved this Land enough to want to fight for it.
Background
In the early 16th century, only 30 years after first contact between Columbitch and the Taínos, rebellions against the colonial government were ongoing. The death of the Spanish Governor of Cuba left the perfect opportunity for one Brave Ancestor. Guamá was a Cacique, a Taíno Tribal Leader, in Baracoa in Eastern Cuba. An allied Cacique from Kiskeya/Ayiti (Modern-Day Hispaniola) named Hatuey travelled to Cuba with a militia, warning Guamá of the Spaniard’s Bloodlust. Guamá saw this chance to fight back and took it.
Him and his Wife, Casiguaya, were known both as skilled fighters who led a decade long rebellion reaching from Baracoa, West to the Sierras. These rebellions were succeeding, and more indigenous folk joined Guamá’s forces. Guamá did not die in battle, you can read his whole biography on wikipedia here.
I want to focus less on his biography and more on his veneration as a Folk Spirit of Rebellion. Throughout the Caribbean, various historic Taíno figures, both Male and Female, are venerated. One group we see many Spirits come from is the Caciques who led rebellions. These Spirits are often called on for strength and fighting oppression, as well as even in place of the Cemí. Many of the traditional spiritual practices were passed on through the veneration of these Elevated Dead. Guamá and Hatuey are two of the most important in Cuba.
Praxis
Here is a translation of a song, linked here, that talks about going to ‘El Monte with Guamá’.
I work with the Moon, I work with the Sun Sun and Moon, Lend me your brightness. Oh Mama, Oh Mamalina, I will go to El Monte, with Guamá
Songs are integral to many Caribbean systems of belief, and this one is no exception. In the Eastern area of Cuba this song and Guamá are from, Espiritismo Cordón has flourished where the use of these songs and forming a chain either calls or sends spirits away, which is interesting to think about considering how Taíno Areytos functioned. This song specifically is sung in all times of life; celebration, while working, mourning, traveling. It is simply a plea to the Powers That Be and the Ancestors to guide us.
In my personal practice, I have honored and venerated Guamá through prayer and song, as well as by reciting his story orally at the area I keep my Spirits of similar commission. On a personal level, I have petitioned Guamá and Casiguaya together for strength, protection and resistance and Guamá on his own for domination workings, as he was undefeated and died due to hubris and not battle.
His death date is June 6th, so this may be a day you choose to reach out or throw a feast for him. When working with Indigenous Caribbean Ancestors, it is important not to mix certain elements of African and European practices. For this reason, I usually keep offerings simple, including only foods and flowers that are native to the area or that the person reportedly enjoyed. Tobacco, Liquor, and Water can all be taboo, or extremely integral, depending on the Spirit.
For Guamá, I do offer Tobacco, but no liquor. I offer Native foods, like casabe and a higüero of water. I make my petition in words and song, rather than in writing. Guamá is a great ally to any Indigenous Caribbean who faces the issues of oppression, or a particularly crafty enemy. His hot nature can make him chaotic to work with, but respect and appropriate offerings to placate him in times of communication can go a long ways.
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