The Arawak people are an indigenous group originally from the Caribbean and parts of South America. They are known for their agricultural practices, including the cultivation of crops like cassava and maize. Historically, they lived in small villages and were skilled in fishing and hunting. The Arawak language is part of the larger Arawakan language family, which includes several dialects. The arrival of European colonizers in the 15th century significantly impacted their population and culture, leading to a decline in their numbers due to disease and conflict. Today, some Arawak descendants still maintain their cultural heritage.