A high-level international team of archaeologists, led by the renowned Dr. Kathleen Martínez Nazar, has officially launched field operations at the Ruins of Pueblo Viejo to locate the remains of the Taíno leader Enriquillo.
The initiative, titled “Following the Traces of Cacique Enriquillo,” is a joint effort between the Macarrulla Foundation and the Dominican government via the Strategic and Special Projects of the Presidency (Propeep). The mission seeks to provide scientific closure to the historical mystery surrounding the final resting place of the 16th-century indigenous leader who spearheaded the first successful resistance against Spanish colonial rule in the Americas.
The mission, which is scheduled to run throughout February, began this week with a rigorous three-step protocol. According to Martínez, who is internationally recognized for her search for Cleopatra’s tomb in Egypt, the team’s first priority was the delimitation and cleaning of the historical site at the Church of Las Mercedes to prevent further urban encroachment.
“Our process involves exhaustive documentation and the creation of archaeological blueprints before moving into the restoration and excavation phases,” Martínez explained during a press conference on Wednesday, 3 February 2026.
The multidisciplinary team includes prominent international experts such as Egyptian osteologist Dr. Aya Salem, from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and Spanish archaeologist Antonio Guio Gómez, alongside Dominican specialists including Melisa Berigüete and anthropologist José Antonio Arias.
Historical justice and cultural identity
Enriquillo remains a central figure in Caribbean history, having led a rebellion from 1519 to 1533 that eventually forced the Spanish Crown to sign a peace treaty. While historical accounts suggest he requested to be buried in the Church of Las Mercedes in Pueblo Viejo, the exact location of his ossuary has never been confirmed.
Robert Polanco, director of Propeep, emphasized that the project is more than a scientific inquiry. “Rescuing the memory of Enriquillo is an act of historical justice,” Polanco stated. “It is about reclaiming the dignity of our native ancestors and recognizing the value of a struggle that transcended its time.”
The project has sparked significant local and international interest, positioning Azua as a temporary hub for American archaeology. Researchers are utilizing ground-penetrating technology and forensic analysis to examine several human remains previously discovered in the area, hoping to identify the specific lineage of the legendary cacique.
Read more in Spanish:
El Dia
5 February 2026