Location: The Miskito dwell on the Caribbean coastline of Honduras and Nicaragua, a region referred to as the Miskito Coast.
History:The Miskito hunted for Peccary and Waree (types of wild hogs), and deer in the woods and fish, turtle and manatee in the ocean using lances and harpoons. In their gardens they grew plantains, yams, potatoes, Indian peppers and pineapple. The Miskito had an egalitarian society which looked up only to a shaman who performed healings and knew things of the spirit world.
Language: Spanish, Mískito, English
Daily Life: The Miskito Indians are currently the largest indigenous group in Honduras. After extensive contact with the British, most Miskitos are English-speaking Protestants. Most are either migratory workers, fishermen or agricultural laborers. Unlike many other indigenous groups in the area, the Miskito have remained rural, keeping them from the assimilation which urban life brings. Land rights and the development of social programs are the main issues which the Miskito face today.
Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not claim expertise on the Miskito.
Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the URL.
If you are Miskito, your feedback is much appreciated.
Educational Links
Miskito Indians of Nicaragua http://www.faqs.org/minorities/South-and-Central-America/Miskito-Indians-of-Nicaragua.html
The Miskito Coast Historical Society http://miskitocoast.org/indians.htm
The Voyages of William Dampier from A New Voyage Round the World. http://www.athenapub.com/damp2.htm#William Dampier 2
Ethnologue:Nicaragua http://www.sil.org/ethnologue/countries/nica.html
Ashby, Maggie. "The Mosquitia of Honduras." CIIR Overseas Volunteers. London. date unknown.
Psacharopoulos, George and Harry Anthony Patrinos. Indigenous People and Poverty in Latin America. Washington, D.C. The World Bank. 1994.