“Unity through knowledge” is the Plaza Indoamerica’s silent motto. This plaza stands as a tribute to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. It honors those who fought for independence against European colonialism.
Here at Plaza Indoamerica, you will find bronze sculptures. These sculptures represent leaders from twenty-one American countries. Each country contributed a sculpture of one of their heroes. These figures all stood strong against the conquerors.
The Plaza Indoamerica’s story began in 1942. The Ciudadela Universitaria was planned as a key urban area of Quito. In 1945, Quito gave this land to the Central University of Ecuador. This exchange was for the old Casona Universitaria in the historic center.
Initially, it was called Plaza Universitaria. It was the entrance to the university complex. This included the University theater, the administration building, and the library. The university complex was designed in 1947 by Uruguayan architect Gilberto Gatto Sobral. By 1959, the university had a model for the plaza’s urbanization.
Plaza Indoamerica managed north-south traffic on Avenida America. Avenida Alfredo Pérez Guerrero also joined here. It was named to honor the university’s rector from 1951 to 1963.
The original design featured two overlapping circles. One was a large fountain with trees. The other had a ring supporting sculptures. The final design changed this plan. The circles became concentric. The outer circle held busts of indigenous heroes. They represented various American countries.
This initiative began in 1960. The National Union of Journalists proposed the idea. Dr. Enrique Garcés, the president, presented it to several embassies. He asked for donations of sculptures. The busts arrived slowly. The Plaza Indoamerica was completed in the late 1960s. The last bust was placed in 1974.
One notable sculpture is that of Hatuey. Hatuey was Cuba’s first rebel. Thelvia Marín Mederos created it. She is a sculptor and member of the Union of Journalists of Cuba. Cuba had been excluded from the Organization of American States for fifteen years. This is why there was a delay in Cuba’s contribution. Hatuey’s sculpture shows his bravery as he is burned alive. The plaque includes a quote from José Martí. It says “Our people must walk united like the silver in the roots of the Andes.”
The Plaza Indoamerica features leaders like Cuactemoc from Mexico. There is also Lempira from Honduras and Anacaona from Haiti. You will find Tecún Umán from Guatemala and Atlacatl from El Salvador. Sequoyah from the United States is also here. Rumiñahui from Ecuador represents his homeland. Caupolicán from Chile stands defiant. Other figures include Túpac Catari from Bolivia and Urraca from Panama. These leaders symbolize resistance to European conquest.
Sadly, the bronze plaques identifying the busts have disappeared. Replacing them is essential. It will restore the historical and artistic merit of each sculpture in Plaza Indoamerica.
So, as you leave this place of heroes, remember their fight for unity and knowledge.