Puerto Rico La Cara del Indio

by Richard Reeve

Title

Puerto Rico La Cara del Indio

Artist

Richard Reeve

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

Puerto Rico La Cara del Indio - Richard Reeve

A large stone face sculpture is carved into a rock wall surrounded by dense jungle greenery. Sunlight highlights the intricate details of the sculpture, adding depth to its expression.

La Cara del Indio is a roadside sculpture in Isabela, Puerto Rico, created in 2000 by artist Isaac Laboy Moctezuma. It honors Cacique Mabodamaca, a Taíno chief of the Guajataca region (present-day Isabela and Quebradillas) who fought and died in the 1511 Taíno rebellion against Spanish forces.

According to legend, Mabodamaca chose to leap from the cliffs of Isabela rather than surrender, and his profile is said to appear naturally carved into the cliffs at El Pastillo Beach. The sculpture, designed to look as though the Taíno themselves created it, symbolizes the chief’s courage and enduring watch over his land.

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November 21st, 2025

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