PRESS RELEASE: THE MABOITIES

THE MABOITIES, GUATIAOS OF PUERTO RICAN ART AND CULTURE
JAYUYA, PUERTO RICO
BIRTH OF ELPIDIO COLLAZO “MABOITI“

The group The Maboities, Guatiaos of Puerto Rican Art and Culture, with their head office in Jayuya, will celebrate for the third consecutive year the Birth of Elpidio Collazo “Maboiti” {R.I.P.}. The entire month of October 2010 will be dedicated to celebrating, remembering and honoring the life and work of Maboití. Elpidio Collazo considered the most outstanding, recognized and prize-winning artisan carver of Puerto Rican birds of Puerto Rico . This master artisan was born on October 28, 1937 and passed away on November 5, 2007.

Every person or institution that wants to join with us, The Maboities, or independently join in this celebration will be very well received. Among the activities that may be carried out during this celebration will be conferences, presentation of documentaries, oral readings of the biography of Maboití in schools and universities, conversatorios, among others.

It would be helpful if we knew about other activities relating to his birth in order to include them in our calendar which will be produced and promoted in relation to the birth of this great artisan carver of Puerto Rican birds now deceased.

In regards to the majority of the activities, they will take place in The Center of Art and Culture Elpidio Collazo Maboití, located on Highway 144, kilometer 9.3 in the borough of Coabey in Jayuya. We will have the patronage of the Autonomous Municipality of Jayuya. The activities taking place during the month are: The Unveiling of the Stone Monument and the exhibition of toys from the infancy of Maboití which will be on October 1, 2010 at 7:00 am, on October 3 from 10:00 am will be the selling and exhibition of antiquities, and at 2:00 pm will be the presentation of the Walter Murray Chiesa National Award to Mr. Héctor Rodríguez artisan promoter of the “Compañía Fomento Industrial” (Industrial Development Company) among the other activities to take place during the month.

On October 28, 2010 at 10:00 am, all those who want to join in this posthumous homage to Maboití will deposit floral gifts at the Monument Stone Maboití. This is the first time in Puerto Rico that one month has been designated to honor an artisan annually.

For more information you can contact the Center of Art and Culture Maboití at (787) 828-1241 with the Director Mrs. Magalis Gordillo.

Graciela Collazo

Secretary

Taino Spiritual Leader Crosses Over to Koaibei

Vega Baja, Boriken (UCTP Taino News) - Boriken Taino community elder and spiritual leader, Ángel Manuel Galagarza, 84, crossed into Koaibei (the Spirit World) on Sunday, December 13 at 5:00am. A resident of the Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, elder Galagarza was a respected activist, husband, father, and grandfather. He was a founding member of the Consejo General de Tainos Borincanos.

“He was and remains so very special to so many Taino as his home was always open to his people whether they lived on or off the island” stated Roberto Borrero, Chairman of the United Confederation of Taino People. “Aracoel Manuel was the kind of person you don’t meet often these days - like Albizu Campos and Gandi put together. He was always a gentleman and his council will be deeply missed.” continued Borrero.

“He was a humble but strong advocate for our sacred sites and a spiritual caretaker for the Caguana Ceremonial Center in Utuado” stated Carmen Rodriguez Bracero of Vega Baja. Rodriguez Bracero was a long time friend, student, and care-giver to Galagarza after the passing of his beloved wife Monsita.

She also noted “Visitors to Caguana come to the batei and see that each one is dedicated to a kasike from historic times. Abuelo Manuel was the person who initiated and made those signs. ”

A viewing for the elder will take place on 16 December only and a memorial service will soon be announced.

UCTPTN 12.16.2008