“Taíno Experience: In Son de Paz” Held at the Altos de Chavón Regional Archaeological Museum

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On Friday, April 4, the front courtyard of the Altos de Chavón Regional Archaeological Museum served as the backdrop for a vibrant cultural and educational event titled “Experiencia Taína En Son de Paz” (Taíno Experience: In Son of Peace). The activity was led by children’s author and oral storyteller Evelyn Cáceres Castellanos, in collaboration with Guillén Arte Étnico, an initiative directed by master artisan Ramón Guillén.

The event was designed to introduce children to the roots of Taíno culture in a creative, engaging, and meaningful way. It forms part of a six-part series set to tour various provinces across the Dominican Republic, aimed at promoting Taíno heritage among new generations. The project is supported by the General Directorate of Patronage of the Ministry of Culture and has been recognized as a cultural initiative of national interest.

During the experience, children listened to a live reading of Cáceres Castellanos’ story “En Son de Paz”, accompanied by an original song. They also interacted with large-scale artisan pieces representing Taíno culture, part of a traveling exhibition created by Guillén Arte Étnico.

The day included a Taíno pottery workshop, where participants molded clay with their own hands, and a live demonstration of traditional casabe bread-making, which concluded with a tasting.

The event was attended by students from Hogar del Niño, the Fundación MIR, visiting tourists, and children from the Casa de Campo community, all of whom came together to share in a space filled with history, art, and reflection.

“We started developing this experience in 2022. Our pilot was held at Galería 360 with Ramón Guillén, and after witnessing the positive impact it had on children, we decided to take it nationwide,” said Cáceres Castellanos. “Thanks to the Patronage Law and the Ministry of Culture’s support, we have already completed four of the six scheduled events. Our goal is to promote cultural identity, respect for diversity, and bullying prevention through the knowledge of our roots.”

Upcoming editions of the experience are set to take place at the Museum of the Dominican Man in Santo Domingo and in Puerto Plata, with the aim of continuing to plant seeds of cultural awareness among younger audiences.

Through initiatives like this one, the Altos de Chavón Regional Archaeological Museum reaffirms its commitment to preserving and promoting the indigenous legacy, nurturing Dominican identity from early childhood.