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Manaure, a legacy of leadership and diplomacy Episode CCCIII-303
The narrative shared by Etnia Nativa emphasizes the
importance of reclaiming and recognizing Aruba’s
cultural roots and heritage—elements often over-
shadowed by colonial history. The platform is dedi-
cated to promoting the value of rediscovering native
traditions, history, and identity, while encouraging a
conscious departure from colonial influence and in-
herited patterns of submissiveness.
In this context, and in response to exaggerated and
often unfounded narratives surrounding our indige-
nous origins, we clarify that the only historically recog-
nized Pan-Caquetian indigenous ruler connected to
Aruba’s ancestral heritage is Chief Manaure. By un-
covering the true origins of our native roots and hon-
oring Chief Manaure’s legacy, we reconnect with the
authentic indigenous history of the island. with the Spanish during the early 16th The Welsers, with no regard for the ex-
century. Around 1523, he established isting alliance, appointed Ambrosio
Manaure was a legendary leader of the Caquetío contact with Spanish official Juan Mar- Alfinger as the new governor. Alfinger
people, regarded as the great chief of the south- tín de Ampíes, then stationed in Aruba. launched a brutal campaign of Indig-
western Caribbean and the northwestern mainland— This connection was facilitated through enous displacement and massacres,
what is now Venezuela. He was a respected strate- one of Manaure’s vassal chiefs, Macu- which led to the collapse of the re-
gist, warrior, and statesman who lived in a large set- arima, who expressed interest in nego- gion’s prosperity.
tlement known as Todariquiba, near the Mitare River tiating peace. As a result, an alliance German forces seized both large and
in northwestern Venezuela. This river flows through the was formed between Manaure and small canoes, along with property be-
Paraguana xeric scrub ecoregion before dividing into Ampíes. longing to the Jira Jara and Caquetío
the Pedregal and Paraíso rivers, which empty into the nations—including Manaure’s own re-
Gulf of Coro. However, the relationship was soon sources. When Manaure attempted
According to native legends, Manaure was celebrat- tested. In 1525, many Indigenous peo- to reclaim his possessions, he was im-
ed for his intelligence, bravery, and moral strength. As ple—including some of Manaure’s prisoned. Ampíes, meanwhile, was
Cacique, he held not only political and legal power close relatives—were kidnapped and stripped of his position and expelled.
but was also believed to possess spiritual and even sold into slavery by merchants from He would later return to Curaçao and
magical authority. His leadership was so esteemed Santo Domingo. Thanks to the dip- Aruba to support Manaure’s cause.
that he was carried by his warriors in specially made lomatic ties between Manaure and After his release, Manaure went into
hammock-litters—a symbol of his elevated status. He Ampíes, many of these individuals, in- exile with his family, relocating some
was remembered for his commanding presence, im- cluding all of Manaure’s relatives, were 250–300 kilometers from Coro. There, he
peccable conduct, and sharp intellect, and widely successfully rescued and returned to launched a guerrilla resistance cam-
respected as a man of his word. the island and mainland. paign against the German occupiers.
Manaure made history as one of the few indigenous Grateful for the alliance, Manaure for- In response, the Welsers dispatched
monarchs in South America to engage diplomatically malized the first agreement with the mercenaries to hunt him down. Man-
Spanish and was later baptized by aure was eventually ambushed and
Juan Martín de Ampíes, receiving the killed in 1549 during one of these skir-
Christian name “Martín.” This was fol- mishes, in the area now known as the
lowed by the founding of Santa Ana city of El Tocuyo.q
de Coro in Venezuela on July 26, 1527,
in the name of the Spanish Catholic If you enjoyed reading our stories and
Crown. Soon after, a large wooden are interested in learning more regard-
cross was brought to Aruba to found ing the true identity of the island, we
the city of Santa Cruz near the center recommend you to book a visit to Etnia
of the island. Nativa—the only “living museum of its
kind in the Caribbean”—a fascinating
The region had been a prosperous and choice, a trend-setter since 1994 and
productive trade zone long before the co-founder of Islands National Park,
arrival of European colonizers. Howev- Archaeological Museum Aruba and
er, the positive relations with the Span- Artisan Foundation among others. Et-
ish were short-lived. In 1528, burdened nia Nativa shares valuable knowledge
by heavy debts to German bankers, and connects you to the ancient is-
King Charles V—Holy Roman Emperor land’s spirit and soul.
and King of Spain—transferred control
of the province to the Welser banking WhatsApp 297 592 2702
family of Augsburg, effectively break- or etnianativa03@gmail.com
ing his agreement with Manaure.
