Puerto Rican Taíno Gifts & Souvenirs

Engage in Taíno culture through their passion for art and explore some unique gift ideas inspired by this indigenous tribe.

The indigenous community in Puerto Rico is called the “Taíno,“ who have inhabited the island since pre-Columbine times. There is an active Taíno community in the municipality of Utuado that continues to practice sacred rituals to both conserve and revive the indigenous heritage.

A great experience to learn about Puerto Rico’s Taíno natives is to visit the Ceremonial Reserve of Cagüana in Utuado, where you can see historic petroglyphs, representations of “bohíos” (their homes), and a museum with artifacts like jewelry, weapons, and cooking tools.

Most Puerto Ricans have some percentage, small and big, of native Taíno. Puerto Rico islanders are proud of this beautiful legacy, therefore, many of the authentic arts, crafts, and jewelry are inspired by Taíno symbols.

Below are some examples of Taíno gift ideas!

Taíno Gifts at the Museum Shop at Cagüana Ceremonial Reserve, Utuado

The Cagüana Ceremonial Reserve has a museum shop, which makes perfect sense if you want to support artists who are inspired by Taíno motifs, ancient crafts, and jewelry-making techniques.

The Taíno carved their daily life and surrounding nature on rocks called petroglyphs. Animals like snails, birds, and frogs, symbols like the sun and beach waves, and portraits of their perceived gods and goddesses.

Taíno-Inspired Crafts from Traditional Arts and Crafts Shops

Old San Juan has a great selection of locally sourced arts and crafts stores where you can purchase Taíno-inspired crafts, jewelry, clothing, and more. Stores to visit are Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts, Mundo Taíno, and The Handcrafts Store. If you want to get granular about who makes it, ask if there is information on the artist.

Taíno Coquí Jewelry from Coquí el Original® in Viejo San Juan

A fine jewelry store and family business tradition, Coquí el Original® offers the Taíno Coquí Collection crafted in 14k gold and sterling silver .925 with diamond details. Browse earrings, bracelets, rings, charms, and pendants inspired by the Coquí Taíno.

Taíno Coquí Frog Pendant in Sterling Silver

$78.00 – $145.00

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Taíno Coquí Ring in Sterling Silver with Diamonds in Pavé

$165.00

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Taíno Coquí Pendant in Sterling Silver & 14k Gold with Diamond Eyes

$184.00 – $279.00

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La Lineal Art Gallery, Río Piedras

The university center in San Juan is in the cultural and historic area of Río Piedras. La Lineal Art Gallery offers modern and contemporary takes on Puerto Rican motifs, like Taíno culture and heritage, sourced from talented Boricua artists. A great idea to explore beyond Old San Juan, Río Piedras has cafes, thrift stores, local bars, and restaurants to explore as well.

I hope you find this guide to be authentic and helpful.

Enjoy your Puerto Rico travels!

¡Salud y Éxito!

Daniela Barquet

Daniela Barquet is the 4th generation owner of her family's jewelry store located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico since 1965. The business tradition was started by her great-grandfather, Issac Barquet, in 1920. Daniela graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor's in the History of Art and Architecture and a Minor in Italian Studies. Daniela continues to grow under the mentorship of her father, Natalio Barquet Perez, who is a renowned, certified jeweler in Puerto Rico.