Exploring the Taíno Petroglyphs
We constantly receive requests for the meaning of some of the petroglyphs and we try to explain that, as of this day, no one can say with certainty what our Ancestors wanted to express with these symbols that are still found in their elaborate pottery, bone, shell, stone and fabric work.
The first example depicted below is one that has been found in the Ceremonial Park of Caguana.
This petroglyph has been named the woman of Caguana for the location where she was found.
This image has been used by many artisans in crafts and artists in their artwork.
She is also known by the name of Atabey (Mother Earth) mother of the Creator Yocahu and Huracán. Huracán takes the mythological form of what we know today as a huricane.
It's task is to destroy, in a jealous rage, all that his brother,Yocahu creates.
The attributes given to this petroglyph as Atabey seem to be the most logical. According to the position in which it is found in relation to the rest of the other petroglyphs at Caguana, it is believed that these images depict the Taíno mythological universe.
This image stands in the middle of that universe representing the beginning of all Creation and holding the position that women held in Taíno society, one of honor and respect above all things.
This information is provided for you to evaluate and make your own conclusions. We soon will be including pictures that our friend, Mr. J. Contes from Florida, Borikén, will be providing of caves he has explored to share with all in a new section of this website.
For those who wish to see more petroglyphs we recommend you purchase the books written by NelsonRafael Collazo who has dedicated a large part of his life cataloging petroglyphs from all over the island of Boriken (Puerto Rico). click here for more information on Collazo's books.
This is the way this petroglyph was depicted before last year. The image to the right does not have the V form of the female sex organ as shown above.
Actual stone being cleaned 3/8/2004.
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