Significance of cars

The symbol of cars in the novel represent colonial control over Indigenous autonomy. Cars literally embody freedom as characters can move freely with them. The four Indians steal the three cars to help break the dam. The names of the cars coincide with Spanish colonial ships: the Nissan (Nina), the Pinto (Pinta) and the Karmann-Ghia (Santa-Maria). Thus, they are symbols of power and a means to liberation.