Zoratama (the Indian Princess) Colombian Indigenous History and Legend

This outstanding and wonderful legend, which has suddenly elicited the admiration of the poet, multilingual philologist, cordial friend and intimately involved translator of my works into English, Mr. Armand Petrecca whose valued criterion has made him deem this short book my masterpiece. In any event, his judgment has induced me to write this preface, which will make the reader anxious not only to acquaint himself with a fabulous history and legend, but also to comprehend deeply the...
More Description

This outstanding and wonderful legend, which has suddenly elicited the admiration of the poet, multilingual philologist, cordial friend and intimately involved translator of my works into English, Mr. Armand Petrecca whose valued criterion has made him deem this short book my masterpiece. In any event, his judgment has induced me to write this preface, which will make the reader anxious not only to acquaint himself with a fabulous history and legend, but also to comprehend deeply the great importance of a previous empire and a major civilization, whose roots and vestiges continue to exist, because I have also considered that, after this introductory note, the ordinary reader, the student, the researcher and those who are especially drawn to this subject matter will be provided with interesting incentives to reflect on and will find, in this work of historical, pedagogic and literary importance a veritable treasure house of art, of love and legend. It is for these reasons that I consider it essential to compose this preface, which will serve as a stimulus for the reading and for a greater acquaintance with this major civilization, which is centered principally in the Colombian Andes.In the indigenous language, the word "Muisca" signifies person or people. And, according to very serious researchers, the Muisca natives appear to have descended from the Asiatic peoples who populated Central America, whence they obviously continued on to Panama, the territory of which once belonged to Colombia, and from there to Peru, Ecuador and elsewhere.Indeed, the "Chibchas" or "Muiscas" may be looked upon as descendants of Asiatics, because their ancestral lawgiver, Chicha-cum, had straight, black hair, a ruddy complexion, slanted eyes and a great resemblance to these natives. All of which is apart from the fact that certain customs, and the names, with which the Muiscas designated their towns, indicate that they came from somewhere in Central China.