Labranza del Sol: A Tribute to the Culture and Nature of Soatá

Representations:

• Fauna: Soatá Quincha, Jaguar

• Flora: Orchid

• Territory: Chicamocha Canyon and Chicamocha River
  

Labranza del Sol is an artistic work that captures the essence and spirit of the municipality of Soatá, Boyacá. This mural, winner of first place in the Departmental Muralism Contest “Soatá lives the FIC”, extends majestically over a surface of 4 x 8 meters, and stands as a vibrant testimony of the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Event: Soatá lives the FIC / Mention: First place winner / Measurements: 13.1 x 26.2 ft / Location: Soatá, Boyacá, CO

The Soatá Chief: Guardian of the Territory

At the heart of the composition is the imposing Soatá Chief, represented in zoomorphic form with the face of a jaguar. This animal, a symbol of power, knowledge and magic, embodies the figure of the indigenous leader, protector and guide of his people. The Chief extends his hands around the sacred waters, evoking the ancestral well that once existed in the place where the central park of the municipality is today. This well is represented by a circular rock carved with bas-reliefs, a work of the natives that is still preserved on the site.

Golden Elements: Symbols of Distinction

The indigenous leaders adorned themselves with golden elements that distinguished them. In this work, the Chief's nose ring is inspired by the Date Palm and the Quincha Soatense. The central part of the nose ring is composed of bunches shaped like bags, surrounded by palm leaves that stand out like thorns. At the ends, symmetrically, are the silhouettes of the quinchas (hummingbirds), birds abundant in the region.

Colors and Symbolism

The color palette of the mural reflects the tones of the Soatá flag: yellow, blue, gray and red. These colors are arranged symmetrically and contain elements alluding to the municipality's coat of arms:

• Yellow: Represents the jaguar, the Chief and gold.

• Blue: Symbolizes orchids, water and birds.

• Gray: Evokes the territory and its natural riches, including date palms and the Chicamocha River.

• Red: Reflects the temperate climate and brilliant sunsets of the region.
  

A Tribute to the Identity of Soatá

“Labranza del Sol” highlights the identity elements of the municipality of Soatá. The name of the work is inspired by local oral tradition, which attributes to the word “Soatá” the meaning of “Labranza del Sol” in the ancient Muysca language. This mural not only celebrates the figure of the Chief who governed the territory, but also exalts the diversity of cultural, tourist, natural and historical elements that make up this beautiful municipality of Boyacá.

Conclusion

The work “Labranza del Sol” is a tribute to the cultural and natural wealth of Soatá. Through its detailed iconography and vibrant color palette, the mural invites viewers to immerse themselves in the history and traditions of this corner of Boyacá. It is a visual reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our roots, and an inspiring example of how art can serve as a bridge between the past and the present.