1558, 2484 NETHERLANDS (Aruba) - Cunucu traditional houses

1558 A Cunuc traditional house in Aruba (1)

In Papiamento (the language derived from African and Portuguese languages, with some other influences, which is the most widely spoken language on ABC islands), Cunucu means "countryside" or "small plantation". In earlier days, the walls of the houses in Aruba were built from stone, without the use of mortar, the coral rocks being placed to a perfect fit. Often was used caliche, a crusty calcium substance found in the southeast hills of the island.

2484 A Cunuc traditional house in Aruba (2)

Slanting roofs allowed the heat to rise, while windows were kept small to keep in the cool. Although in nowadays concrete have replaced the older materials, the design has retained many basic elements found in the traditional houses, while adding other features such as windows which became longer though still narrow and comprised wooden louvers, introduction of patios and brightly tiled roofs as well as elaborate ornamentation for roofs , balconies and entrances.

About the stamp
The stamp is part of a definitive series issued in 2009, and depicting Alto Vista Chapel, about which I wrote here.

References
Architecture - Visit Aruba

Sender 1558, 2484: Denise
Sent from Oranjestad (Aruba), on 09.07.2014