Family Traditions Honored: Los Ayalas

Interview with the Ayalas by Edmee Cappas


August of 2008 in Loiza, Puerto Rico

In the town of Loíza traditional activities honoring St. James the Apostle show a mix of indigenous, African and Hispanic cultures, but the African elements are the most prominent. It’s in this town where you can experience an important aspect; the Castor Ayala Museum & Shop where generations of Ayala’s continue to carry on the tradition of mask making; displayed are the brightly colored mask a trademark of the family and the pride of Loiza. The family operated business continues to carry on the craft in the same location where their grandparents began the tradition of these vejigantes indigenous to the town. The craft of making mask out of coconuts husk has evolved over time but the pride of completion and wearing them for the various festivities continues to be a strong element that is destined to always be a part of Puerto Rico.

The Vejigante symbolizes the Moslems that Saint James fought with in Spain. The Vejigante costume is of bright colors and consists of a large overall with wide sleeves that once you open your arms, simulates wings. However, the most important part of the costume is the mask, which is made of coconut husk, with bamboo strips for teeth and is the most prominent craft that carries a long history of traditional Afro-Puerto Rican art.

Inside the small dwelling you will see how the Vejigante mask has evolved from simplicity to bold colors. Posters and plaques of recognition for their cultural contributions to the island are strategically placed for visitors to view. The walls, which are under construction for conservation, are actual murals painted by the elder Ayala and are a testimony to the depth of his talents as he captured the flamboyant tree and coconut palm trees, so much a part of coastal Puerto Rico where Loiza is located.

Although the Ayalas’s are famous for their Vejigante mask, they are also known throughout the island and abroad for their strong performances of the Bomba. Mask-maker Castor Ayala put together the Ballet Folklorico Hermanos Ayala, a folk music and dance troupe that continues to be a central force of entertainment during the Festival of St. James the Apostle. Bomba is a rhythm that is unique to the island of Puerto Rico and it claims its origins from the ancestors of the enslaved African peoples of this Spanish held colony. A focal piece of Bomba is the female dancer; she uses her skirts, hip and shoulder movements to entice the drummer into following her leads, however one drum dominates and it’s that drum that is beating to the dancers move. This tradition has been carried on for over 300 years with very little change and will always be an important part of the islands heritage.

For your listening pleasure you can purchase & hear clips of their music at http://www.hermanoayala.calabashmusic.com/ or write to rayala@coqui.net to order directly from them music and videos.

Loíza was proclaimed a town officially in 1719 and named in honor of Yuisa or Luisa, one of the women caciques on the island when the Spanish conquerors arrived. Loiza is also known as "La Capital de la Tradicion"- "The Capital of Traditions"- for its "bomba" music, traditional Taíno and African dishes, artisanry, and distinct culture. Loiza is home to such celebrities as the "Hermanos Ayala", Samuel Lind, Daniel Lind, DJ Eliel, DJ Tito, La Sista, Abrante, Mangani, etc. and many artists have roots in Loiza like Daddy Yankee (his father is known as El Negro from "Los Hermanos Ayala", Ramon Ayala),Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Lennox from "Zion y Lennox", Mackie from "Mackie y Yaga" and many others.

Samuel Lind desde Puerto Rico

Interview with Samuel Lind by Edmee Cappas

August of 2008 in Loiza, Puerto Rico

Walking down a narrow street I hear the beat of African drums, my destination the legendary home and studio of Samuel Lind. As I knock on the wooden door I am taken back at how his home is unique and true to the artist eyes embracing all who enter.

Growing up in the town of Loiza, which the Nigerian slaves of the Yoruba tribe settled in the 16th century; Samuel Lind proudly embraces his heritage and demonstrates this with honor and privilege through his art pieces. As a child he was encouraged to pursue this talent by his elementary teacher Maestra Rosa. He was very moved that he had accidentally ran into her and the opportunity presented itself so that he can thank her personally for her words of encouragement as well as the supplies she provided him with. He smiles as he recounts how as a child he would sneak off from school and instead get on the bus and go to the Art school in San Juan which is approximately 20 miles away. There he would observe and soak in what is today his passion. He points to a painting titles “El Caminito” and explains that the man in that picture is his Uncle who was like a father to him as well as a giving him a lot of inspiration. So strong is his connection to that era he now uses it as the background design for his business cards and claims that it is one piece that will never leave his home. He speaks humbly of his mother and although money was scarce he recalls many special moments with her.

Samuel feels that his art is the instrument that best describes who he is; it is his identity. His graphic designs depict the importance of culture and he infuses his African heritage in all of his work. Most evident of his African heritage are the works titled “La Fiesta de Loiza” (The Festival of Loiza) and his “Baile Bomba” (Bomba Dance) series. Musical masters inspired many of his art pieces; specifically Tite Curet Alonso who wrote a song based on the 3 kings.

Samuel Lind feels that through meditation he becomes inspired and when he writes about the works he validates their existence. In Loiza they depend on him to portray their spirit; in Puerto Rico he was one of the few chosen to do graphic series of cultural events because of his rich knowledge on how to convey messages through art. The movement of voluptuous hips, strong passion on the faces and a lively stride to the feet is a testament to his attention to details.

One perspective that Samuel Lind wants to convey is how historically art conveys a message, regardless of the medium used. There is a story that the artist is trying to tell the viewer. His vocation and responsibility is to bring to life the figures in his work, to show the passion of the dancer, to express anticipation and to do this well. His work draws the viewer in and inevitably leaves you wanting to see more.

Samuel Lind is a featured Guest Artist at http://www.studioporto.com/ also featured at http://www.elyunque.com/

Samuel Lind had gallery showings in N.C.A&T State University, Africa International House for the African Festival of the Arts, Washington Park Chicago, Cucas Gallery in Chicago, Illinois

You can write or contact Samuel Lind at loizano@prtc.net P.O. Box 527 Loiza, Puerto Rico 00772

Samuel Lind’s studio is in Loiza #187 directly across from artisan Ayala, The Master of Mask making, famous for mask indigenous to Loiza made of coconut husk.

Tite Curet Alonso wrote the song Las Caras Linda (De Mi Gente Negra) (The Beautiful Faces (Of My Black People) recorded by Ismael Rivera, is considered by many in the Puerto Rican community as a classic.

Interviews; Puerto Rican Artist Reflections

Interview with Antonio Porto Broccoli by Edmee Cappas

August 2008 in El Condado, Puerto Rico

Antonio Bróccoli Porto exemplifies how diverse Puerto Ricans ethnicity can be. With an educational background ranging from the University of fine arts in the USA, Puerto Rico and Italy, coupled with his love for the rich and diverse culture of Puerto Rico you have an anthology of creations uniquely his own. Nicknamed “El Italiano” by virtue of his name, his induction into the artisan community of Puerto Rico became a reality as he displayed works of integrity with sincerity portraying the islands cultural influences.

Encouraged by his parents to pursue his passion for art, Antonio in the barrios of New York immersed himself in the music and dance native to the Afro centric influences of Puerto Rico. Among his pieces that reflect his African roots to name a few are Flora, La Isla Tiene Tambo, El Baile de Loiza Aldea, his whole Bomba Plena collection. Although he pays tribute to his education he identifies more with his experiences in the Bronx, the execution of his work remains constant in his work as he interprets those experiences inspired by what he saw and felt portraying these senses through his art pieces. His work is cultural and folkloric while maintaining his individual style of painting and use of color. He incorporates the belief that “we are all creation of god and our traditions are of value for future generations to appreciate, my love for the rich and diverse culture of Puerto Rico motivates me to create”.

As part of his repertoire Antonio was featured as an artist in residence promoting the “Me Mask Project” where elementary students (K-4) of Bradford School in Montclair, N.J. were taught through art, music and literature to explore their uniqueness and cultural backgrounds to create a mask that will depict who they are. He emphasized the importance of interviewing family members, researching oral traditions and the cultural perspectives they bring to the community.
Art flows from Antonio’s soul and unique to this declaration is his transformation titled “Loiza a Osun” which is his interpretation of the masterpiece titled “Flaming June” by Lord Leighton, which hangs in the Ponce Museum of Puerto Rico. The transformation with intense detail and imagery indigenous to a Caribbean Dancer of Bomba from Loiza is a testament to the artist portrayal to be remembered for his expressions of beauty and culture along with impressionable nobility of his love for Puerto Rico.

Antonio Broccoli Porto has a web site with a wealth of information of his family, works and featured pieces around the world, as well as special recipes and honorary guests. In viewing his site you will be transformed into a world of diversity and knowledge that has embraced his journey from the past to the present; porto@studioporto.com or you can drop him a line at his home and studio: Art Studio Porto 332 Vales de Torrimar Penthouse Studio F-308, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00966

The Mask Project: The project also provided its participants with career awareness and with authentic activities that bring students closer to possible career choices in the fields of art, communication and teaching. If you are interested in bringing this type of workshop to your local school please have the school administration contact the artist at

porto@studioporto.com or call 787 646 2753