Taino Areyto for Kalpulli Tlalteca
Around 7000 years ago, the native peoples of Mesoamerica breeded the first corn they called "teozintli" from indigenous grass. Over time, corn made its pilgrimage into North America, to Florida, and from there to the Taino who called it "maisi" (maiz). The Spanish conquistadors brought the name maiz to Mexico, as corn is most commonly called today.
During this special event, the Kalpulli Tlalteca people of Mesoamerica completed a three year journey to complete the circle -- and fulfill a prophesy -- in the return of the original maiz to the Taino people. In 1982, when they were working to restore the tradition of the planting of original corn, an elder by the name of Rafael Guerrero (Yaqui) gave them a prophecy: indigenous nations that were thought dead will come back to life. That will be one of the signs that their time had come.
With the greatest honor and respect, we the children of the Taino of Boriken accepted the corn during our Areyto, and planted three of the seeds in authentic ceremony with the Kalpulli Tlalteca Elder. Enjoy this photo-diary that is documenting the corn's growth!
This summer we will bring the gift of original corn home so that it can be planted on sacred land in Boriken to "continue" the circle. We hope to have a harvest to return to the Kalpulli Tlalteca!
We would like to thank Cacike Caciba Opil (Piedra Sagrado del Espiritu), of El Concilio Taino Guatu Ma Cu A Boriken. for teaching us about our Taino heritage. Our Director, Tekina-eirú is mentored in her native traditions by the Cacike, and is the recognized Tekina Suania (Tierra Firme/for the Americas) for El Concilio.