The Caribs had a complicated organization to provide leadership in their warlikesociety. They had hereditary chiefs, nobles and priests, but military leaderswere elected. The ouboutou (or ubutu or obutu), or Great Captain, who was thecommander in chief of all the warriors, was elected for his life. He was chosenfor his prowess in battle and his great strength, and was treated with theutmost respect.
