Embracing My Taíno Roots: A Journey of Identity, Culture, and Natural Beauty

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At 30, I stand proudly as a Dominican woman deeply connected to my Taíno heritage. This journey of self-discovery has been both personal and cultural, intertwining the threads of ancestry, tradition, and self-expression.


Reconnecting with Ancestral Roots

Born in the Dominican Republic, I grew up surrounded by the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture. Yet, it wasn’t until adulthood that I began to delve deeply into my Taíno roots—the indigenous people who first inhabited our island. Their legacy, often overshadowed by colonial narratives, is a testament to resilience and harmony with nature.

Learning the Taíno language has been a profound step in this reconnection. Each word carries the weight of history, offering insights into a worldview that revered the earth, celebrated community, and honored the spiritual in everyday life.


Celebrating Cultural Expressions

Dance has always been a part of my life. From a young age, I was drawn to baladi, a Middle Eastern dance form. Though not native to the Caribbean, its rhythms resonated with my spirit, reflecting the syncretic nature of our culture—a blend of indigenous, African, and European influences.

Music and dance are universal languages, and in embracing baladi, I found a bridge connecting me to diverse traditions while honoring my own.


Embracing Natural Beauty

For years, I conformed to societal standards of beauty, regularly relaxing my hair. I’ve experimented with ombré styles, transitioning from red to black, ventured into full blonde, and embraced copper tones. Yet, the most empowering choice has been to let my natural dark brown curls flourish.

Occasionally, I adorn my hair with red henna, a nod to natural practices that enhance beauty without compromising authenticity. This journey has been about more than aesthetics; it’s a reclamation of identity and a celebration of heritage.


Honoring the Legacy of Taíno Women

Taíno women were pillars of their communities—leaders, healers, and artists. Figures like Anacaona, a revered cacica, symbolize strength and wisdom. Their stories inspire me to walk with pride and purpose, embodying the virtues they exemplified.

In embracing my Taíno roots, I honor their legacy, ensuring that their voices echo through time.


A Continuing Journey

This path of cultural rediscovery is ongoing. Each step—be it learning a new Taíno word, dancing to ancestral rhythms, or wearing my natural curls—is a tribute to the rich heritage that shapes me.

As I continue this journey, I remain committed to celebrating and preserving the traditions that define my identity, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

For visual representations of Taíno women and leaders, you may explore the following resources:

  1. Taino Women on Pinterest
  2. Taino Caciques at TainoGallery.com
  3. Taino People Images on Shutterstock

Note: The images provided are for illustrative purposes and to honor the legacy of the Taíno people.

Books: Here are recommended books about Taíno history, culture, and identity:

1. When the Shaman Stopped Singing by Margaret Arguelles

A deeply spiritual narrative exploring Taíno cosmology and oral traditions.

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/When-Shaman-Stopped-Singing/dp/1895006413/

2. The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus by Irving Rouse

A classic anthropological study that introduces readers to Taíno culture and their societal structure.

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Tainos-Decline-People-Greeted-Columbus/dp/0300055616/

3. Anacaona: Golden Flower, Haiti, 1490 by Edwidge Danticat (Royal Diaries series)

A fictionalized diary of the powerful cacica Anacaona—accessible and emotional for younger or general audiences.

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Anacaona-Golden-Flower-Royal-Diaries/dp/0439499062/

4. Taino: The Indian Chronicles by Asareh Tlacuilo

A dramatized but researched chronicle that brings Taíno life and myth into vivid storytelling.

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Taino-Chronicles-Asareh-Tlacuilo/dp/0615787720/

5. Yaya: The Story of a Taíno Girl by Lucía Álvarez

A children’s book that’s perfect for introducing Taíno heritage to younger generations, written with cultural accuracy.

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Yaya-Story-Taino-Girl-Spanish/dp/1935619252/

6. Taino Zen by Robert M. Poole

A poetic and meditative exploration of identity, spirituality, and Taíno ancestry.

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Taino-Zen-Robert-M-Poole/dp/0974206903/

Images of Taíno Women and Leaders:

  1. Pinterest board with Taíno women illustrations and references
  2. https://www.pinterest.com/rosaflorabotani/taino-women/
  3. Taíno Gallery – Detailed history of Taíno caciques and cultural leadership:
  4. https://www.tainogallery.com/history/caciques/
  5. Shutterstock search results for Taíno people imagery (for licensed stock use):
  6. https://www.shutterstock.com/search/taino-people
  7. Article: “Taino History and Culture” – Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian:
  8. https://americanindian.si.edu/education/codetalkers/html/chapter3.html
  9. “Anacaona: The Golden Flower of the Taíno” – Women’s history profile:
  10. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/anacaona
  11. Learn Taíno Language Resources – Instituto de Estudios del Caribe:
  12. https://estudiosdelcaribe.org/resources/taino-language/

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Welcome to the Liorverse.

I’m an autistic artist—graphic designer, dancer, violinist, and singer of truths once silenced. In 2011, I stood at the gates of traditional publishing with a firelit soul and two series in motion. I was still a girl. Still bilingual. Brilliant—and breaking. The world told me I wasn’t enough.

So I paused.
For fourteen years.

Now I return—not for trends or algorithms, not to become your favorite—
but to become the book you didn’t know you needed.

Each story I write carries a symbol. Something sacred, visual, unforgettable. I love obsidian black and earthy tones, but also fire, gold, and vibrant bloom. Every detail—every cover, line, and heartbeat—is handcrafted.

My stories cross worlds: this one, the dream one, the one stitched from grief and stars. Some are quiet. Some are wild. Some ache softly. Others bite.

I write romance in all its forms—tender, taboo, tragic, and soul-scorching. You’ll find innocence and ruin, devotion and darkness, sweetness and sin. Sometimes it’s a slow burn in a city apartment. Sometimes it’s a violent kiss in a haunted house.

If you crave intense emotional arcs, unforgettable characters, and stories that stir—
whether that’s warmth or wickedness—
leave a comment. Say hello. Tell me what you’re feeling. Or just whisper your favorite line.

I’m currently welcoming beta readers who devour books, love feedback, and aren’t afraid of stories that feel too much.

Thank you for being here.
You found the words.
Now let the words find you.

🖤
—LIOR

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