“Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.”
Michelangelo
After
our cruise was over, we decided to take an extra day in Puerto Rico
before heading home. We hailed a taxi and headed to Ace car rental
at the San Juan Airport. When we got to the airport, we found out
we had to take a shuttle to the car rental place which was not far
away from the airport. The rental car place was just a small
nondescript building but they got us all set up and we took off in
our rental car for the day. We were pleased with their service and
our rental car.
We
headed west on the highway and enjoyed the beautiful views that
Puerto Rico offered us. As we headed west, the mountains rose in
front of us all bright green and lush. It was a lovely site to see.
We also got great views of the coastline of northern Puerto Rico.
What a lovely island and we were blessed with a gorgeous day. As
we were driving, out of the blue we came across this magnificent
large Indian face sculpture on the corner of Rt 2 and 113 that was
carved right into the gray rock cliff wall. There were lots of people
pulled over on this busy road to see this impressive site. Since
there were no more parking spots, Joe just dropped me off so I could
get some pictures.
The
carving was amazing. It was incredible and bigger than it looks in
pictures. I was so impressed by the carving of the Indian with a
serious look on his face. I took a few pictures and then Joe picked
me up again. If you do stop and park, I must warn you that it is a
busy road and crossing to see the carving can be dangerous. Right next to the statue was a small cave where they were selling local wares. After
seeing this remarkable site, my curiosity was peaked and I needed to
research this man so I would know who I was looking at. I logged
into Google and found some great information on this Indian hero who
was Taino which is a subgroup of the Arawakan Indians from northeast
South America. They inhabited many areas in the Greater Antilles
which includes Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico.
The
statue was of a Cacique (Chief) Mabodamaca who was a Taino Leader of
the territories that are now the cities of Isabela and Quebradillas
and was a fierce protector of his people from the Spanish who were
fighting to get their land back in 1511. This was during the 2nd Taino Rebellion which is now referred to as the Guajataca Battle.
From reading accounts of history, it was believed that the Chief was
killed by the Spanish General Don Diego de Salazar during the battle.
But many choose to believe that he escaped by jumping off the cliffs
of Isabela and surrendering to the Spaniards. Either way, he
showed great courage and strength in trying to keep his people safe
and defended his land so the Spaniards couldn’t take their land. In
the end, the Spanish Conquistadors won the conflict when the Taino
soldiers surrendered in 1513.
Isaac
Laboy Moctezuma was the artist who carved this Cacique Mabodamaca
into the rocks in 2000. Isaac was born in Yabuccoa, Puerto Rico and
is a full time craftsman. He learned how to make traditional
baskets, and loves carving on wood and stone. He is also a sawyer,
poet, and musician. He has carved many birds, saints, and
monumental-size works that are located in churches, museums, parks,
and private collections. He does amazing works of art and so glad
that he has shared his incredible talent for all to see. My hope is
that this carving will last for years so many more people will be
able to see it. It is an interesting site to see and well worth the
trip.
Till
next time. Bye for now.
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