The Oubutu and Decentralized Leadership
These leaders were chosen for their leadership skills and warrior prowess, especially during wartime.
Who are the Oubutus?
This was the fundamental unit of social and political organization in Kalinago society during times of peace.
What is the extended family?
This community leader guided discussions but relied on consensus rather than giving orders.
Who is the Oubutu?
This term, derived from Greek meaning “rule of the father,” describes a social system where men hold most political, social, and economic power.
What is patriarchy?
During peaceful times, Kalinago villages were governed by these local leaders, usually heads of extended families.
Who are the Tibutuli?
This type of decision-making involved elders and respected community members to ensure community needs were met.
What is collective decision-making?
This village elder was responsible for settling disputes and guiding daily life in the community.
Who is the Tiubutuli?
This spiritual figure helped guide major decisions through rituals, dreams, and ancestral messages.
Who is the Boyez?
In Kalinago society, these men serve as community leaders, decision-makers, and custodians of customary law.
Who are the pangats?
In wartime, the Kalinago elected this leader based on strength and battle skill to organize raids and lead warriors.
Who is the Ouboutou (or Ubutu)?
During times of peace, these officials assisted the Oubutus in managing village affairs and maintaining order.
Who are lesser governors?
In wartime, this leader was chosen based on bravery and military skill rather than hereditary status.
Who is the Oubutu?
In Kalinago society, this group included elders and warriors who advised the Oubutu.
What is the council?
These ceremonies mark boys’ transition into manhood, emphasizing warrior roles through tests of strength and skill.
What are initiation ceremonies?
These religious leaders not only cared for the gods but also trained young boys as warriors and future priests.
Who are the Boyez?
The Kalinago society maintained this kind of balance between male and female roles in social and political life.
What is a balance of power?
This group was highly valued, and young men underwent rigorous training to become part of it.
(What is the warrior society?)
What is the warrior society?
True or False: The Kalinago made most decisions through majority vote.
What is false?
(They used consensus-based decision-making.)
This is the key way marriage ceremonies reinforce patriarchal norms in Kalinago culture.
What is the transfer of authority from a woman’s family to her husband’s?
In 1903, the British established this area in Dominica, officially recognizing Kalinago territory and their ceremonial chief.
What is the Carib Reserve?
Today, the Oubutu also serves as this, representing the Kalinago Territory to other indigenous groups and organizations.
What is a representative or delegate?
This describes how the Kalinago leadership adapted between peaceful kinship leadership and centralized military command during war.
What is a flexible political system?
Name three key steps in the Kalinago decision-making process.
Answer: What are: (1) Consultation with the Oubutu and council, (2) Spiritual guidance from the Boyez, (3) Community discussion and consensus?
These cultural events often include feasting, storytelling, and offerings, led mainly by male leaders to honor ancestors and ensure community well-being.
What are rituals and ceremonies?
This 2015 event marked the Kalinago people’s assertion of identity and greater self-determination within Dominica.
What is the renaming of the Carib Reserve to the Kalinago Territory?