Exploring Bonaire’s Immemorial Heritage: Tribes, Treasures & Traditions

Bonaire’s history is deeply rooted in its inhabitants and their culture – a thousand year journey from the Arawak Indians to Venezuela, Spanish and Dutch periods, and the trade winds of the Caribbean Sea. With its comfortably dry climate and inexhaustible resources, Bonaire can be seen as a treasure trove of cultural artefacts waiting to be discovered. From Kralendijk to Rincon, let us explore the salt industry, the colors of it’s flag, and delve into stories of slavery & convict labor that shaped this rich island. Take an excursion over the Great Salt Flats with locals walking or riding donkeys to physical villages dotting the coastline. Let us look at how past prosperity has brought about a secure future for Bonaireans today; learn about their supply of food from both land and sea; appreciate their hospitality; and discover why people keep returning to this colorful Caribbean gem.

Bonaire’s Early History

Bonaire, located just off the coast of Venezuela, has a rich and textured history that spans more than 1000 years. The earliest inhabitants of the island were the Caiquetio Indians, who built villages along the shore.

These tribes had already been living on the island for centuries when Spanish and Venezuelan explorers arrived in the 16th century. During this time, trade winds made travel from South America to Africa much easier and thus facilitated commerce between these two regions.

The Dutch later colonized Bonaire in 1636, introducing slave labor to produce salt from water evaporated in salt pans as well as sugar and cotton plantations. During this period, many African slaves were brought to work on the plantations, while convict labor was used to build fortifications and other facilities.

In 1805, Aruba and Curacao were also annexed by the Netherlands.

The Caiquetio Indians

The Caiquetios were among the earliest inhabitants of Bonaire, living there until they were driven out by colonizers in the 17th century. They lived primarily near coastal areas where they cultivated fruits such as cassava and beans.

Being nomadic people, they would move around according to the seasons.

Spanish and Venezuelan Influence

The first known Europeans to have reached Bonaire were Spanish explorers in 1526. They remained on the island for some time before eventually leaving after encountering hostility from local native tribes.

Venezuelans would soon follow as their interest in trading with African nations directed them to take advantage of favorable trade winds traveling between South America and Africa.

Dutch Colonization and Slave Trade

In 1636, a group of Dutch settlers under the leadership of Jan de Boer settled on Bonaire after securing permission from Spain’s King Philip IV to occupy it officially. While most of their occupation involved setting up trading posts, they also introduced several new elements to Bonaire including sugar production using African slaves who had been captured on neighboring islands such as Curacao.

Bonaire’s Prosperity and Development

Salt Industry and Slave Labor

Salt production became an important industry for Bonaire with its high evaporation rate making it ideal for harvesting salt from ocean water in large pans located at strategic points along its coastline. Slaves sourced from Curacao were used extensively for this purpose as well as tending to cattle herds that roamed freely throughout the island.

Animal Husbandry and Agriculture

Herds of goats and other animals provided food sources for those living on the island while agricultural practices such as growing vegetables like corn became commonplace operations for many locals.

Fort Oranje and Dutch West India Company

In 1639 Fort Oranje was built by Dutch West India Company laborers to strengthen their hold over the island’s resources which included timber for ships’ masts and iron ore mined in nearby hills.

Bonaire Today: Culture & Tourism

Rincon: Bonaire’s Oldest Village

Rincon is the oldest settlement on the island, founded in 17th century by Dutch settlers who sought to use it as a trading post and anchor point for ships traveling from Europe to South America.

Kralendijk: Bonaire’s Main Center

Kralendijk is Bonaire’s main tourist center with a wide variety of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. It also offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities along its crystal clear waters.

Flamingos, Snorkeling, and Other Attractions

Bonaire is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of pink flamingos that can be seen wading through the shallows around the island. There are also plenty of other attractions such as easy boat trips to Klein Curacao, pirate excursions, and guided tours offered by local cruise guides.