Connecting with Heritage: Taíno Pottery Workshop with Elder Alice Chéverez and Luis Kacian Calderón

BTF Members and Terrascope/Dine Students Create Pottery using Taino Techniques and Materials.

As part of our cultural immersion activities, students from MIT Terrascope and Diné College joined Elder Alice Chéverez, a celebrated Taíno artisan, for a hands-on workshop in traditional pottery-making. Hosted in her family home in Morovis, this experience allowed participants to connect with Taíno heritage while learning techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Examples of Alice's Recreations Before Baking

Elder Alice Chéverez is renowned for her skill in creating traditional Taíno Capo-style varsila ceramics, a craft she has mastered over years of dedication to preserving Indigenous art forms. This traditional pottery style is characterized by hand-crafted, coil-built pottery forms using earth clay that are often adorned with intricate designs and symbolic motifs. This style is named for its prevalence in certain regions of Borikén (modern-day Puerto Rico) and the Greater Antilles, where these ceramics were integral to Taíno culture. Today, contemporary artisans like Elder Alice Chéverez and others work to preserve this tradition, blending ancient techniques with modern adaptations to keep this important cultural practice alive.

As highlighted in publications like National Geographic, Alice is one of the few living Taíno artisans whose family heritage of pottery making extends back centuries. Her work often reflects the natural world, depicting local wildlife such as bats, fish, and Cemi, which serves as a testament to her connection between Taíno culture and the land. She teaches visitors not only the techniques but also the symbolism and history embedded in her creations.

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During the workshop, students learned how Taíno pottery often incorporated intricate designs that carried stories and spiritual meaning. This knowledge has become a key focus for archaeologists like Carlos Martinez Palmer and Indigenous scholars, who study the patterns to uncover insights into Taíno cosmology and daily life. By reviving and practicing these traditional methods, participants engaged with a language of artistry that connects the past to the present.

The joy of watching students shape clay into tangible pieces of history was palpable. Each creation, molded by hand and infused with care, became a symbol of their connection to Borikén’s heritage. These artifacts, small but meaningful, will serve as lasting reminders of their journey in Boriken and the lessons learned as they consider the impact of their work.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Elder Alice Chéverez for sharing her time, knowledge, and passion with our group. Her dedication to preserving Taíno traditions is a gift to us all. A special thanks as well to Borikua Taino Foundation board member Luis Kacian Calderón, who not only organized this event but also brought his expertise as a Taíno potter through his business, Alfarería Kanari. Using Taíno motifs in modern pottery techniques such as glazed pieces, Luis creates work that bridges tradition and contemporary artistry.

During the workshop, Luis assisted students, in translating Alice’s instructions and helping participants understand both the cultural significance and technical details of the pottery process. His dedication ensured a meaningful and seamless experience for everyone involved.

About Alice Chéverez 

Elder Alice Chéverez is a Taíno artisan and cultural steward from Morovis, Puerto Rico, dedicated to preserving and sharing the artistic traditions of her ancestors. Her family’s lineage traces back to Borikén’s pre-colonial era, a heritage that informs her work and deep connection to the land.

Alice’s pottery reflects the essence of Taíno cosmology, with designs inspired by local wildlife and natural elements. Beyond her artistic skill, she is deeply committed to educating others about Taíno cultural practices and their enduring relevance. Her home studio serves as a sanctuary of Taíno knowledge, where history and creativity merge to keep ancestral traditions alive.

About Luis Kacian Calderón

Elder Luis Kacian Calderón is a Taíno potter and educator who blends traditional motifs with modern ceramic techniques at his studio, Alfarería Kanari. Known for his decorative pottery featuring Taíno-inspired designs and sculpted animal figures, Luis uses high-fire clay and contemporary glazing to make functional and artistic pieces. Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Luis became active in the Taíno community in the 1980s and moved to Puerto Rico in 1996. With a degree in history education, he trained under Elder Alice Chéverez and other notable artisans, earning recognition from the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña for his dedication to preserving Taíno artistry.