Taino Activist Gains Return of Ancient Artifacts

ADUJUNTAS, PUERTO RICO - In the mountainous interior of the island of Boriken Puerto Rico) there stands a beautiful tribute to the hard work of an individual and a community who's vision of repatriation has come to pass. In Samuel Maracuto Nunez's 'front yard,' an ancient Taino Batey or ceremonial plaza has been restored and can now be visited by the general public. Mr. Nunez, a member of the General Council of Tainos Borincanos, along with other concerned community residents, led the successful struggle to gain the return of the ancient monolithic stones that had once lined this plaza which was used by his ancestors so long ago.

The Batey was first discovered in 1978 and because of mining activities in the area, the stones were taken to the Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Twenty years after their removal, the return of the stones was made possible by a collaborative effort of the Department of Natural Resources and Casa Pueblo, a community based environmental group which has been struggling the last 15 years against mining activities in the area. Under the guidance of the archeologist, Pedro Alvarado, the stones have actually been replaced in the same location where they stood so prou&y in ancient times.

In a private ceremony, members of the General Council of Tainos Borincanos gathered on the sacred grounds to honor the return of the stones and the restoration of the plaza. In an emotional presentation, Council Member, Pablo Haguey Rosario, stated to the children present that this was their Batey and it was up to them to care for and protect it from now on.

Future plans for the area, include a proposed initiative by the University of Puerto Rico which is to include an environmental center, reforestation, and a publication about the archeological site.


(c) 1998 - UCTP
Last Updated: September 1, 1998