Nana Abreu - Chicken / Pollo

This particular Taíno petroglyph image of a "Chicken" represents a fascinating and unique moment of cultural intersection, standing apart from more ancient, pre-contact symbols. Its distinctiveness lies in its unique combination of indigenous artistic style with clear Spanish Colonial influence. This blending is historically significant because chickens were not native to the Caribbean; they were introduced by Europeans upon their arrival. The artwork serves as a visual record of this new element entering the native world. Following their introduction, chickens were rapidly adopted, becoming a vital staple in modern kitchens and profoundly transforming the culinary and cultural landscape, forever altering traditional recipes and daily life.