A cacique translates to "king" or "prince" of an indigenous group, derived from the Taíno word kasike for the pre-Columbian tribal chiefs in the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, and the northern Lesser Antilles. No evidence of a cacique system was ever found in Puerto Rico.

What is the meaning of cassique?

Native American leaders

The title Cassique was bestowed upon the Chief (Chieftain) or leader of the Native American tribes (mainly the Kiawah Indians) which originally settled the low-country of South Carolina, near modern day Charleston, South Carolina.

What did the Cacique do?

Lifestyle of Arawak / Taíno

Each society was a small kingdom and the leader was called a cacique. The cacique's function was to keep the welfare of the village by assigning daily work and making sure everyone got an equal share. The relatives of the caciques lived together in large houses in the center of the village.