We are still here!
After departing the Centro Cultural de Jayuya Alberto Suárez, our group traveled to Área Recreativa La Piedra Escrita, another site of profound spiritual importance in Jayuya. We reunited with additional members of the Borikua Taino Foundation to introduce the college students and chaperones to one of our sacred spaces, deepening their understanding of Taíno heritage and the importance of protecting such sites.
La Piedra Escrita, or "The Written Stone," is a massive granite boulder nestled in the Río Saliente. Adorned with Taíno petroglyphs dating between 600 and 1200 AD, it reflects the craftsmanship, spirituality, and cosmology of Borikén’s original inhabitants. These carvings depict symbols, figures, and motifs that offer a window into the lives and beliefs of the Taíno ancestors.
To improve safety and accessibility for visitors, a wooden walkway was constructed, allowing easier access to the stone and its surroundings. This addition ensures that people can safely engage with the site while respecting its sacred nature. It is a popular destination for locals to swim and sunbathe on clear days.
Upon arrival, Brandon Ruiz and Borikua Taino Foundation Board President Brooke Rodriguez welcomed the students and engaged them in meaningful conversations about Taíno heritage. One pivotal moment came when an MIT student asked:
"If you are here as living Taíno people, why have others told us the Taíno people are extinct?"
This question underscored a key reason for the collaboration between our foundation and Dr. Ari W. Epstein, Associate Director and Senior Lecturer in the MIT Terrascope program. Dr. Epstein recognized the importance of addressing the narratives that erase Indigenous peoples and sought to work in right relationship with our community. This partnership reflects MIT's ongoing commitment to centering contemporary Indigenous voices and highlighting the enduring presence of Taíno people on the island.
Following this discussion, our ceremonialist, Bilqis Benu, led the group through the Seven Directions Prayer, honoring the land, the ancestors, and the spirit of the space. This ceremony reminded everyone of the sacredness of La Piedra Escrita and the responsibility to protect it for future generations.
This visit to La Piedra Escrita was a transformative experience, fostering a connection between the students, the land, and the history of Borikén. It reinforced the enduring presence of the Taíno as a living people and the importance of safeguarding these spaces as symbols of continued resilience.
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