I knew walking through the Marshak Building would be filled with science looking views which I thought would bore me because I was never into science,however when my eyes were laid on the Cueva de las maravillas,I began to analyze the portrait as I noticed its fascinating patterns on the cave. As I began to look at its beauty I began thinking of its wonders. Cueve de las maravillas is the cave of wonders,holding a significant background and history. A portrait of Cueva de las Maravillas has taken place in the Marshak building,the largest building in Campus known for its science facts and artifacts. In this recreation are new ways to observe the details of the marvelous cave. I have chosen this portrait due to its beauty and my wonders. My curiosity lies behind the story of the picture.Was this cave important? Did it seem relevant to people and did it play a role in their lives? Cueva de las Maravillas is now located in the Dominican Republic and is now known to be a national park while being a tourist attraction.
Henriquez uses a unique technique giving a new way to look at the visual of the picture,using human skin and substances of collagen fiber. Using these two helps the picture to be observed in a certain way. The human skin can be very useful when it comes to identifying structure and shape. Meanwhile the collagen fiber enhances the picture’s looks and a more vibrant effect portraying the geological formation within a depth of 25 meters. Using the human skin she was able to help the patterns of the cave to stick out and have their own personality within the portrait. Henriquez adds more character into the cave when using limestone stalactite in order to make the image more realistic. Limestone stalactites form when water with dissolved calcium from the limestone rock drips from the ceiling of a cave. “As the carbon dioxide is released,calcite is precipitated(redeposited) on cave walls,ceilings and floors.” “As the redeposited minerals build up after countless water drops a stalactite is formed.”
Cueva de las Maravillas was a historic place with such meaning especially to the community of the Tainos. The Tainos were a historic indigenous people of the Caribbean. They played extraordinary roles in shifting agriculture,as they implemented strategies like burning forest and scrub as they leave the ashes into piles leaving them to be easily planted and tended. “Distinctive art made by the early Taíno are etched on rocks around the island and on stalagmites in caves across the island.” While inhabiting these caves the Tainos looked at it as a home or sanctuary of sacred activity.They managed to take good care of the Cave with nurturing behavior just as they nurtured their own environments.The caves are significant in Taíno mythology. It has been very effective towards the culture and religious backgrounds of this group of people.
However my curiosity sparked within the way Tainos have allowed this cave to have such a strong impact on them. My wonders were always Were there any cultural or religious ties attached to it? According to research the caves “were regarded as a uterus receptacle that provides the context for creating and nurturing life and bringing it forth to the world.” “Caves were important to the Taino as these places figured prominently in their religion and mythology.” The tainos seemed to be very close and connected to the cave as it has been used as a sanctuary for ritual purposes. They practiced Taoism, which is the idea that all including humans and animals being equal or in balance with the Tao which can be considered as the universe itself. Tainos practiced a polytheistic religion in which is the belief in several gods who are the subject of worship on an independent basis. Cemis was the name of their Gods,they were religious persons identified with an image or idol worshiped by the community or a particular individual.They were able to use this space as a way to express their religious freedom and acts.
Cueva de las maravillas is and will always be a site filled with fascinating history carrying the history and legacy of the Tainos. Many people visit this historical site as they discover more about the Tainos and the purpose of this majestic cave.

Sources
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cueva-de-las-maravillas-cave-of-wonders
https://www.nps.gov/ozar/learn/education/speleothems.htm