Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center, Archaeological site in Utuado, Puerto Rico
Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Center is an archaeological complex in Utuado with ten stone-lined ceremonial plazas containing monoliths carved with petroglyphs. The grassy site is laid out to allow visitors to walk among the different plazas and see how these structures were arranged.
The site was established by the Taíno civilization around 1270 and served as a ceremonial hub for several centuries. When Spanish colonizers arrived in the 15th century, the active use of these sacred spaces ended and the plazas were gradually abandoned.
The stone plazas, called bateys, were sacred spaces where the Taíno people held ceremonies and played ball games that shaped their social life. These games carried spiritual meaning and brought the community together for important occasions.
The site has a museum building with objects and information about Taíno culture and the carved stones on display. Clear walking paths guide you through the grounds, with signs explaining the different areas and what they were used for.
The site holds the largest collection of indigenous petroglyphs in the Caribbean, with stone carvings showing birds and earth deities. These detailed carvings reveal the religious beliefs and artistic skills of the Taíno people.
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