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According to their cultural level, cuban aborigines are classified as collectors-fishermen-hunters and farmers. The most primitive Indians of Cuba were the Siboneyes, arrived from South America and Central America. Thier fundamental economic activities were the harvesting of fruits, roots, tubers and different types of molluscs and crustaceans. They hunted jutías, birds and some reptiles. They built rustic instruments of stones, woods and seashells. They used the fire, but they did not know the pottery. Unable to explain natural phenomena practiced magic to influence them. His regime of life was characterized by collective work and the distribution of goods produced. They remained on the island until 1515.
Also present in the aboriginal map of Cuba, we find the indigenous group called Mayarí. Its origin is unknown, but it is believed that it arose when the groups Siboneyes came in contact with others from Haiti or Florida of those who received cultural influences. They used instruments of stone and shells but more developed. They dedicated themselves to fishing, hunting and collection, although it is possible that they practiced some type of agriculture. The siboneyes were dedicated only to collection, hunting and fishing. The Mayarí group practiced some type of agriculture.
From Venezuela arrived in Cuba those of Arauco origin (late Century VIII to 1550). They built their houses with solid wooden structures, roofs of guano and walls of reeds and palm yaguas. In each house lived between fifteen and twenty people. They cultivated boniato, maize, yucca and made implements of stone, sea shells, bone and wood. However, their most significant achievement was the production of pottery or pottery utensils. Despite their development, they reached a very limited cultural level. They did not know many of the natural phenomena, reason why they practiced the religion to influence in the nature.
The complexity of economic activities necessitated the appearance of a leader who would take over the management of the group and the organization of work. That was the caciques' role, who had no land of their own and did not appropriate others' work. The Behique acted as a sorcerer and physician, being a relevant figure in the community. Property was common and all had the duty to work and the right to receive the fruits obtained. They devoted themselves to work with enthusiasm and dedication.