Archaeologists recently uncovered an astounding revelation in Martinique: over 70 Native American wells and 14 burial sites, hidden beneath a Club Med resort.
In the heart of Sainte-Anne, Martinique, a significant archaeological site has been discovered beneath Club Med des Boucaniers. The site, dating back to the Middle Saladoid period (IV - VII centuries), has yielded valuable insights into the lives of the Amerindian population during this time.
The site, spanning over 257 pre-Columbian structures, is the largest series of Amerindian wells ever discovered in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. The wells, sometimes over two meters deep, were stabilized using an original technique of lining them with large, perforated jars. The water table accessed by these wells is located 70 cm below the surface.
Excavations at the site have revealed a group of burials, with fourteen identified so far. Adult burials were often covered with lambis shells or coral blocks, while a two-year-old child was buried with ceremonial honors, indicating the importance of burial in pre-Columbian civilizations. Some skeletons found in the burials suggest that the deceased may have been wrapped, perhaps in hammocks.
The archaeological site also contains a rare find in the Antilles - a petroglyph depicting a face, carved into a twenty-kilogram stone. Other findings include tools such as axes, further emphasizing the permanence and significance of the discovered site, which housed a substantial Amerindian population.
Further research is needed to determine the exact chronology of the site, as some archaeological elements from different periods overlap. However, the discovery is already considered significant, not only for its size but also for the valuable information it provides about the Middle Saladoid period in the Lesser Antilles.
The discovery was made during renovation work at Club Med des Boucaniers, underscoring the importance of careful excavation and preservation of historical sites during construction projects. The site serves as a reminder of the rich history that lies beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.
