JAY B. HAVISER

PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM TEST EXCAVATIONS AT THE HOPE ESTATE SITE (SM-026), ST. MARTIN

INTRODUCTION

The binational Dutch-French island of Sint Maarten-Saint Martin is located in the northern Lesser Antilles. This partially volcanic island has mostly porphyrite, diorite, and limestone geological formations and primarily evergreen brushland and thorny woodland vegetation covering its 86 square km. area.

In October, 1987, during an archaeological survey of the island, the author was shown a previously unrecorded prehistoric site at the Hope Estate, French St. Martin (Haviser 1988) (Figure 1). The Hope Estate site (SM-026) covers about two-thirds of a hectare, atop a flat plateau at the 50m. elevation, about 2km. inland, up a major drainage valley (Figure 2). A semi-permanent fresh water flow can be found in the ravine adjacent to this flat plateau. At the time of the survey, a single one square meter test excavation was made to gather sub-surface data, artifactual material and carbon samples for dating. The results of that test unit indicated a Saladoid settlement at the site, yet other unique informations, such as very early radiocarbon dates, allowed for the recommendation of further testing at the site.

In September-October, 1988, an archaeological team was dispatched to the site with myself and Henri Petitjean-Roget as co-directors and a fieldcrew of two students from C.E.R.A., Martinique (Jean-Baptiste Barret and Colette Le Ton) along with a few local St. Martin volunteers. I should like to note that the land-owner of the site, François Petit, not only allowed our tests but also participated in the fieldwork. Special recognition should be given to the Netherlands Antilles OKSNA and the French St. Martin SEMSAMAR organizations for their financial sponsorship of this project. It should be stated clearly that the opinions expressed in this paper are strictly the authors'.

Some of the data collection for these 1988 tests included: topography/mapping, soil stratigraphy and provenience details at the site; faunal and paleobotanies! evidence; shell, lithic and ceramic artifact presence; and charcoal recovery foi radiocarbon dating. These excavations were intentionally limited with the plan foi future large-scale investigations at the site.

The objective of this paper is to present a short overview of the data collectée from the 1988 field season at Hope Estate, with some preliminary interpretations.

METHODOLOGY

In 1988, after initial mapping, we conducted a series of 12 one square mete test units (Figure 3). Of these, seven (XVII A1-A5, XVI X9-X10) were located in the primary midden area, to the northeast of the plateau, where two human skeleton! and one posthole/mold were noted. Two of these tests (XXII T20-T21) were placed in the southeast area of the site where a secondary midden area was noted, on< test (XV J1) was located to the northeast, adjacent to a large boulder with possibli

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petrogylphs or work scars on it, another test (XXI W1) was in the flat open middle of the plateau, and one test (XX P11) was near the sloping southwest portion of the site, were easiest access to the watershed is. These pits were dug in 10cm arbitary levels, with the exception of XVI X9 in the primary midden, which was dug by natural stratigraphie zones. All materials excavated were seived through 2.8mm mesh screen, then bagged and labeled according to specific provenience. Of the eight tests in the primary midden area, only five were used here for statistical calculations, due to the incomplete volume of material gathered from the other three as stratigraphie profile cuts.

From the tests used for this study, a total of 21,211 ceramic, lithic, shell/coral, faunal and historical objects were analysed by the author. Other samples were sent to various researchers for analysis, such as faunal analyses by Elizabeth Wing and paleobotanies analyses by Lee Newsom both of the Florida Museum of Natural History, a mineralogical analysis of ceramics by Stephen Carini (University of Connecticut) and radiocarbon dating by Robert Stuckenrath (University of Pittsburgh).

STRATIGRAPHY

The overall site topographic map and general stratigraphy analysis for the 1988 tests were conducted by Jean-Baptiste Barret and Colette Le Ton. The figures 3 and 4 presented in this paper are from their report.

There was a great deal of stratigraphie variation over this site area, which allowed for the identification of several subsurface prehistoric cultural layers. Although there was no soil strata associated, there were sufficient 17th-18th century historical artifacts found to suggest an historical occupation at the site also. The tests in the western, central and southern areas of the site (XV J1, XX P11, XXI W1, XXII T20-T21), had only sandy-loam soils for about 20-35cm then decomposing baserock gravel becoming the dioritic baserock at about 40cm below surface.

In the northeastern area of the site (XVII A1-A5, XVI X9-X10), we noted very extensive artifact deposits, as the primary midden, associated with sandy-loam soils to a depth of about 75cm, and then underlain by a sterile strata of sandy-clay until the baserock at about 85cm below surface. Within these sandy-loam soils three distinctive cultural levels were identified by the distribution of artifacts and particularly dense crab deposits. The uppermost (Level I), extended from the surface to about 15cm with dense artifact concentrations, the same soil type/texture extended an additional 15-20cm deeper with very few artifacts present. There was then a 40-60cm thick strata of variable density crab remains with great quantities of artifacts and very little soil. We noted that there was a consistant pattern of two crab layers in this strata, such that the upper layer (Level II) was loose crab remains of a yellowish color, with abundant artifacts and numerous discrete small deposits including fire dumps. The deepest crab layer (Level III) was extremely compact, had fewer artifacts and was more of a whitish color (possibly due to decomposition/crushing of the crab remains) (Figure 4).

The three test pits from the western and central area of the site showed only slight artifactual evidence, with no crab layers present. Interestingly, the tests from the southern area (XXII T20-T21) did have a strata of crab remains and abundant artifacts from about 15-35cm below surface. This crab layer was more homogeneous

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then noted at the primary midden, and suggests a single layer separate midden. Below the crab layer at this separate midden was found the similar sterile strata of sandy-clay just above the baserock, as at the primary midden but not the other tests.

FAUNAL AND PALEOBOTANICAL EVIDENCE

The analysis of vertebrate faunal and crab remains from the 1988 tests is presently ongoing by Dr. E.S. Wing, however, she was able to complete identification of one of the most productive 10cm primary midden arbitary excavation levels (XVII A3 L5) for this presentation. Wing summarized this levels fauna as having; 1270 fragments identified with a MNI count of 212 animals. Based on the M NI count, we see that 30% were terrestrial vertebrates (primarily the rice rat Orysomys sp. and also pidgeons, doves and one snake cf. Alsophis); 30% were the terrestrial crab Cardisoma guanhumi ; 29% were the hermit crab cf. Dardanus; and only 12% were either reef, inshore or pelagic fishes, and turtles. Of the fishes, the parrotfish (Sparisoma viride), hinds (Epinephelus sp.), grunts (Haemulon sp.), wrasses (Halichoeres sp.), and tuna/makrels (Scombridae) were the most evident by the MNI.

Dr. Wing pointed out the distinctiveness at this site, with such a great abundance of terrestrial vertebrates, and she further noted the unique emphasis placed by these inhabitants on the hermit crab as almost equal to the land crab.

As to bone material being used for artifact manufacture, a carved bone point was found in this same XVII A3 excvavation unit. It should also be mentioned here that a dog mandible was found in the 1987 test excavation at this site at 45cm below the surface in the primary midden.

Also at the Florida Museum for Natural History, archaeobotanist Lee Newsom analysed various charcoal samples from the corresponding provenience as Wings above mentioned study (XVII A3 L4-6). Newsom was able to identify eight wood types and one tuber from these samples. The most common wood types were lignam vitae {Guaiacum officinale),and stopper (cf. Eugenia), also a vine (which could be sweet potato),and the tuber is possibly Manioc sp., although the sample was too small for positive identification as such. Newsom made the comment that these charred wood samples were subjected to an extremely hot fire. There was even a ceramic sherd with a clear plant impression on it found, but no positive identification has yet been made.

Shell material from these tests represent 47.9% (10,166) of the total analysed objects for this study. Although fragments counts do not accurately represent the MNI for shell identifications, some figures will be presented here to suggest general preferrences for some shell types. Of the identified shells from the tests 87% were gastropods, with a major focus on the marine Cittarium pica (46%) and the terrestrial snail Bulimulus sp.(28%). The large marine shellfish Strombus sp. was only represented by a fragments count with 5%, however several shell celts were recovered which were probably made of this shell material.

Of the bivalves, the Codakia sp.(2%) and Chama sp.(1.5%) were the only substantial representatives, and it should be pointed out that of 146 Chama sp.

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specimen noted, only two were mature adults, with the remainder less than 2cm diameter pink juveniles.

The modified shell artifacts from this site, were a few ground scoops (Cypraea sp.), celts, some amorphus ground shell fragments and various shell beads/discs (Figure 5). Of the modified shell artifacts, all but one example of a Strombus celt, were found either in the primary or separate middens. It is interesting to note that with the shell beads many were discs with perforations or Olivia sp. shells with side-notches and apex removal, however, over 50% (31) were Olivella sp. beads with apex grinding, and further 25 of those 31 were found in the XXII T20-T21 separate midden. Another form of shell modification can also be noted with the case of removing the shell columella and chipping a precise semi-circle at the columella position. Two examples of juvenile Strombus sp., two Nerita sp. and three Cittarium pica were found in our 1988 tests. The land owner has collected four other similar specimen of Cassis sp. from the site. One of these Cassis sp. examples came from XVIII A25 L3, and was radiocarbon dated to 1515+35 (+ AD 435). There were no examples of shell "zemis" found at this site thus far by the author.

LITHIC MATERIAL

Lithic material from these 1988 tests represented 20% (4165) of the analysed objects. Of these lithics, 71% were various diagenetic stages of a radiolarian limestone (in Haviser 1988, referred to as grey-green chalky-chert), 13% were basalts, 10% were cherts and also present were several other types such as sandstone, porphyrite, quartz, pumice, calcite and ochre. The most common lithic material at the site is decomposing dioritic baserock which was not counted in this study, except for those cases of modification into ground cylindrical or spherical beads. In the Level II crab layer was found a perforated cylindrical bead of what looks like amethyst, but this could not be confirmed. It is important to note here that no lithic zemis nor "condor" pendants have yet to be found at this site.

Modification was primarily bifacial chipping (36%), with polishing stones as 25% of the modified lithics and utilized flakes 18%. It is interesting that over 50% of the ground tools were found in the separate midden. It should be made clear here, that many more tools are probably in this collected assemblage, however due to the excessive surface erosion on the radiolarian limestones, positive identifications could not be made. Obviously at the time of tool manufacture, the radiolarian limestone material was solid and had conchoidal fractures.

Of the tool types noted in the 1988 tests, there were mostly polishing stones (30%), hammerstones (15%), polished and chipped celts (13%), massive biface choppers (11%), and also cores, grinding stones, a sharpening stone, and two examples of radiolarian limestone incipient "eared-axes", both found in the deepest cultural layer (Level III) of the primary midden (Figure 6). The land owner has found numerous other "eared-axes" at this site.

CERAMIC MATERIAL

Ceramic artifacts from these 1988 tests represent 26% (5588) of the analysed total, with 96% of those sherds found having a fine sand temper, and 3% with a

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sand/shell mixed temper. 56% of these sherds had a wall thickness between 3-6mm, while 37% had a thickness of between 6-9mm.

Vessel form was only identifiable with 11% of the sherds studied from the 1988 tests, of those were noted primarily griddles, open bowls, inverted bell shapes, platters, jar necks, flanged rims, D-handles, flat and annular bases. The land owner has collected and reconstructed several entire vessels from this site including platters, open bowls with and without annular bases, and globular vessels with constricted necks.

As to ceramic decoration techniques noted on these sherds, painting (301 examples) consisted of primarily red painting on the vessel exterior (86%). Of these, only three examples were from the separate midden in the upper 15cm of those units, and only 20% were found below 40cm (in the crab layers) of the primary midden (Figure 7). There were three examples of red only painting found on zoned-incised-crosshatch sherds in the loose crab layer (Level II) of the primary midden. White-on-red painting was found on 9% of the total painted sherds, but was exclusively located in the primary midden area with all but four examples found above the loose crab layer at 40cm. However, the few examples of white-and-red painting and red-and-black painting were all located in the loose crab layer (Level II). There were also two polychrome sherds associated with the upper Level I layer at the primary midden, and some sherds of white only painting, and four examples of painted incised lines. The single sherd with black paint in the incised lines was found in the Level I layer, and the three others were painted with white and found in the loose crab layer (Level II), all in the primary midden.

The primary modified decoration techniques (246 examples) noted at this site were incision, punctation and applique, of which, sherds with just simple incised lines were the most common with 50% of the modified total. Zoned-incised-crosshatching (6.5% of modified) was represented with 75% of these sherds in the loose crab layer (Level II) of the primary midden, yet no examples were found at the separate midden nor in the other areas of the site. It is interesting to note here that from such a small sample as this, numerous examples of incised spiral patterns were noted, with even one case of an incised spiral pattern on a white-on-red sherd in the loose crab layer (Figure 8).

The use of curvilinear incised lines for decoration represented 10% of the total modified sherds, with 40% of these in the separate midden and the remainder found below 40cm in the primary midden (Figure 9).

Zoned-punctation as a modification was noted on 7% of the modified sherds, and had a very specific provenience at the site. 78% of these sherds were located in the separate midden, with the remainder found only in the compact crab layer (Level III) of the primary midden (Figure 10).

As we look to applique modification noted on these study sherds, the presence of small incised button lugs or "nubbins" are the most common trait with 10% of the total modified. It is important to note here the distribution of this trait is with 72% in the separate midden and all but one of the remaining examples below 40cm in the loose crab layer at the primary midden. It is also important to point out that when the nubbins trait is found associated with other traits, most frequently they are the curvilinear incised lines and zoned-punctation. Other applique modifications noted from this site were spouts, of which all were located above 40cm in the primary midden, with none in the separate midden. There were also found simple rim lugs and two examples of ceramic balls both from the lower crab layer (Level III) of

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which one had basket impressions. The more aesthetic applique artifacts noted from this site include various

examples of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic lugs found associated with each of the cultural layers. Three very unique specimen were found in the separate midden of XXII T20-T21, these zoomorphs have associated on them: curvilinear incised lines with spiral patterns, nubbins, and two have paired holes on the back of the vessel where the lug attaches. A ten power magnification check for suspension usewear was made on these paired holes showing no such usewear. These paired holes may relate to a nasal inhalant drug use, or more probably the attachment of accessary ornamentation objects such as feathers (as is noted in Roe 1989 for pendants). The third zoomorph lug from this area is a match to one of these, which was probably located on the same vessel (Figure 11).

At test XV J1, adjacent to the petrogylph, was found a very simplistic red painted zoomorph with crude construction and rather large grain sand temper.

In the primary midden area were found three well crafted zoomorphs without paired holes, two were red painted and the other had white-on-red painting, two were associated with the upper cultural layer (Level I), and the other with the loose crab (Level II). You can see in Figure 12, one of the upper layers lugs from XVII A3 (B), the other specimen was also found in A3 but from 55cm in deepest part of Level II (A). This older example can not be called zoomorphic, although is has several similarities with the zoomorphs from this site, such as the overall shape on the rim, the placement of nubbins on the shoulders, and the incised double-circle line on the face of this lug which is similar to placement and design of the eyes on the zoomorph.

The cassava griddle fragments found in these tests indicated an unequal distribution of griddle rim forms over the site, such that by using Bullen's 1966 typology, we see the most simplistic rim form, Type C, with 14 specimen in the separate midden, with only three examples elsewhere at the site (two in the lower crab layer of the primary midden and one at the petroglyph). The other griddle rim forms which were found in the primary midden upper layers and at the petroglyph are all Types A, B, D, and E, which have an enlargement of the top of the griddle rim.

Three ceramic samples (two zoned-incised-crosshatch and one zoned-punctation) were sent to Stephen Carini (University of Connecticut) for a mineralogical analysis. Carini noted there were chemical similarities between these sherds, however the zoned-punctation sherd was different enough to probably classify it as a separate ware, although the clay source could be the same. We are looking to continue these types of tests in the future, to be more certain.

HUMAN REMAINS

Over the surface of the primary midden area, several human bone fragments were noted as a result of some uncontrolled digging at the site. During the 1987 test at this site, one adult human skeleton was encountered at about 22-35cm and by artifactual association it seemed to be of the Level I period. During the 1988 tests, two adult human skeletons were noted also in the primary midden (XVI X9-X10). One of these was located at between 18-30cm, general artifactual association

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suggests probably the Level I period, however, based on the presence of one iron fragment this could also possibly be an historical burial. The second skeleton was found at between 45-60cm, and only the lower body and legs were removed due to its position in the test pit. There were zoned-incised-crosshatch, red painted and incised sherds associated, as well as three sharks teeth. The lumbar vertebra showed evidence of compression and excessive ossification which fused four vertebra together.

RADIOCARBON DATES

The radiocarbon dating of samples excavated from the Hope Estate Site, was conducted by Robert Stuckenrath (University of Pittsburgh). All of the samples were charcoal fragments, with the exception of PITT-0451 which was marine shell (Cassis sp.) (see Figure 13).

The distribution of these samples is such that two charcoal and one shell sample came from the Level I layer of the primary midden, two samples came from the Level II loose crab layer in the 1987 test, two samples came from the Level III compact crab layer in the primary midden, and two samples came from the crab layer of the separate midden (XXII T20 L3).

The results that these samples produced are quite early for known Ceramic Age sites in the Caribbean. For example, the separate midden was dated to + 560-350 B.C. (2510+40, 2300+55) and the 1987 test dates for the loose crab layer (Level II) of the primary midden were + 325-290 B.C.(2275+60, 2250+45). The upper cultural layer (Level I), produced one early date of + 275 B.C.(2225+40) and two dates with the more expected range of + A.D. 435-460 (1515+35, 1490+35). The two samples from the compact crab layer (Level III) unfortunately seem to have been either contaminated or turbated, and thus produced inconsistant dates of + AD 290 and + 110 B.C.(1660+55, 2050+45). Clearly, more dating samples are needed from this site and particularly the deepest levels, these will be attended to with future testing at this site.

PRELIMINARY INTERPRETATIONS

Due to the limited testing which produced these finds, the following interpretations can only be seen as preliminary, until further research is made at this site. Based on the evidence presented here, I would like to propose a prehistoric culture history sequence for the Hope Estate Site, afterwhich, I would like to suggest what significance this could have regionally.

As a culture history sequence for the Hope Estate Site, there appear to have been three separate prehistoric cultural groups to occupy the site. First, an Early Ceramic group at about 560-350 B.C., who produced the separate midden at XXII T20-T21 and the earliest layers at the primary midden XVII A1-A5. They had a strong terrestrial subsistence focus (including crabs and manioc). As artifacts, they manufactured crude eared-axes, bone points, Type C griddle rims, Olivella sp. beads, and ceramics with a distinctive mineralogical content, with relatively thin dense vessel walls, and decorated with nubbins, zoned-punctation, curvilinear incised lines (with an affinity for spiral patterns) and complex zoomorphic lugs with probable

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accessary attachments such as feathers. These people seem to not have used zemis, "condor" pendants, painting, nor zoned-incised-crosshatch decoration. The lack of zemis could be significant for this site, as a possible indication of less hierarchy in political organization, as has been previously noted by Roosevelt (1987:160-61). The language group of these people is uncertain at this time.

The second cultural group to occupy Hope Estate at about 325-290 B.C., are the Arawakan speaking Saladoid peoples, who had begun a transculturation process with the Early Ceramic peoples on the mainland. These Saladoid peoples moved into the Hope Estate Site and continued this assimilation process with the Early Ceramic peoples who were already living at the site. The Saladoid peoples also exploited terrestrial food sources and manioc, they produced shell and lithic celts, Types A,B,D,E griddle rims, D-handles, Olivia sp. and disc beads. They decorated their ceramics with red painting, white-on-red painting, red and black painting, inverted bell shapes, annular bases, and complex painted zoomorphic lugs.

There are several artifactual characteristics which can be seen as expressions of the mixing of these two cultural groups, both before the Saladoid reached Hope Estate and while at the site, producing unique Saladoid/Early Ceramic traits. It is my opinion that zoned-incised-crosshatching is a decorative technique developed by the Early Ceramic people after they were in contact with the Saladoid, as a possible surface coloration, thus this trait should be considered as diagnostic of the Saladoid period. Other examples at Hope Estate of these expressions of mixing, can be noted with the sherds of zoned-incised-crosshatching having just a spot of red paint on them (see Figure 6,g), or the white-on-red sherd with an incised spiral pattern (see Figure 7,a), these are of the Saladoid period but produced by peoples in the process of acculturation. The crude red painted zoomorph from near the petroglyph at Hope Estate, may even be an early expression of socio-religious indoctrination, while the lack of zemis may indicate a socio-religious resistance and/or political organizational level.

The Early Ceramic peoples rapidly acculturated into the Saladoid culture, such that the early ceramic styles of zoned-punctation and curvilinear incised lines quickly disappear, along with the manufacture of eared-axes. During the continued occupation of this site throughout the Saladoid period, the Early Ceramic peoples were completely absorbed into Saladoid culture and only some few material traits such as nubbins and for a short while zoned-incised-crosshatching remained.

The third culture group to occupy the site came much later, at about 435-460 A.D., and represent the Maipuran Arawakan speaking Barrancoid or Modified Saladoid peoples. These people did not exploit the massive quantities of crab, as during the previous periods, yet they did have manioc and possibly maize cultivation. They manufactured lithic and shell celts, and ceramics with polychrome painting, white-on-red painting, red painting, spouts, D-handles and very well crafted zoomorphic lugs.

I have intentionally not discussed the issue of origins here because there is not sufficient data from Hope Estate, as yet, to do so. However, I would like to express two preliminary opinions relating to the previous descriptions of this site, as an additional hypothetical alternative to current theories.

First, I would like to suggest the possible existance of an Early Ceramic culture group, who specialized in terrestrial subsistence, and produced ceramics with regionalized decorated variations of modeled-incised and punctated designs, not

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painting. These peoples may have had such early origins or associations to have continued certain Archaic Age techniques including the manufacture of eared-axes, and as such may represent a late stage of transition from the Archaic to Ceramic Ages. This stage of development seems to have occurred over a large area of South America, from Amazonia in the south, over the northern third of the continent from the Guianas to Colombia, and later into the Antilles. Wagner and Tarble de Ruiz (1975:118) originally suggested a similar early modeled-incised/zoned punctation Horizon as covering large parts of Venezuela and Colombia. However, from their excavations at Laguniilas, Venezuela, they identified maize as the probable cultigen utilized (1975:116), which if correct, may be a western regionalized characteristic. Rouse suggested that the earliest Saladoid origins were probably from La Gruta (Middle Orinoco), where he noted "Incision is more frequent and more prominent than in the Saladoid phases elsewhere" (1978:205). Some other examples of this group could be associated with evidences from Morel, Guadeloupe and the Guianas (Petitjean-Roget 1987), the Cedeñoids of the Middle Orinoco (Zucchi and Tarble 1984) and from Marajó Island, Brazil (Hartt 1871, Roosevelt 1985). The remnent Archaic traditons noted at the mouth of the Orinoco with the Waraos (Rouse 1989) may also relate to this group. I am suggesting a regional intermediate stage between the Archaic and Ceramic Ages, with sparsely scattered populations relatively mobile over the region. Noted with these groups are specific traits which eventually evolved as different cultural assemblages and later diffused to other cultures. It seems reasonable that the most immediate origin for the Antillean Early Ceramic is probably in the area of the Guianas, but that similar developments had happened to the west and south.

Second, I beleive that the site of La Hueca, Vieques, represents a culture period when these Early Ceramic peoples were mixing with the Saladoid peoples. And thus, neither "Huecoid" nor "Huecan"-Saladoid are accurate names for these peoples, whom I would prefer to call Early Ceramic until a suitable typestyle can be found, probably on the mainland. Nonetheless, the studies at La Hueca, Vieques (Chanlatte-Baik 1989), Punta Candelera, Puerto Rico (Rodriguez 1989), and Hope Estate, St Martin, are extremely significant for the understanding of the Early Ceramic peoples as they acculturated into Saladoid society.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Barret, J-B. and C. Le Ton 1989 Rapport sur l'étude de la Stratigraphie du site se Hope Estate, Saint Martin, FWI, C.E.R.A. Martinique manuscript submitted to the author, 14pp.

Bullen, R.P. and A. Bullen 1966 Three Indian Sites on St. Martin, Nieuwe West Indische Gids. Vol.45, no. 2-3, p. 137-47.

Carini, S. n.d. personal communication letter dated 14 June, 1989.

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Chanlatte-Baik, L. 1989 Doble Estratigrafía AGRO-II (Saladoide). Paper presented at the 13th International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology, Curacao.

Hartt, CF. 1871 The Ancient Indian Pottery of Marajo Island, Brazil, American Naturalist Vol.5, p.259-71, New York.

Haviser, J.B. 1988 An Archaeological Survey of St. Maarten-St. Martin, Reports of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Netherlands Antilles No. 7, Curaçao.

Newsom, L n.d. personal communication letter dated 21 July 1989.

Petitjean-Roget, H. 1987 A Propos D'un Collier Funeraire a Morel, Guadeloupe; Les Huecoide Sont-ils un Mythe? paper presented at the 12th International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology, Cayenne.

Rodríguez, M. 1989 Arqueología de Punta Candelera, Puerto Rico. Paper presented at the 13th International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology, Curacao.

Roe, P. 1989 The Best Enemy is a Defunct, Drilled and Decorative Enemy: Human Corpo­real Art (Frontal Bone Pectorals - Belt Ornaments, Carved Humeri and Pierced Teeth) in Precolumbian Puerto Rico.

Roosevelt, A.C. 1985 Stylistic Plurality in the Middle Orinoco, Paper presented to the 11th International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

1987 Chiefdoms in the Amazon and Orinoco. In Chiefdoms in the Americas, edited by R.D.Drennan and C.A. Uribe, pp.153-185, Maryland.

Rouse, I. 1978 The La Gruta Sequence and its Implications. In Unidad y Variedad: Ensayos en Homenaje a Jose M. Cruxent, edited by E. Wagner and A. Zucchi, pp.203-229, Caracas.

1989 Ancestries of the Tainos: Amazonian or Circum-Caribbean? paper presented to the 13th International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology, Curaçao.

Stuckenrath, R. n.d. personal communication letter dated 9 February 1989.

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Wagner, E. and K. Tarble de Ruiz 1975 Lagunillas: A New Archaeological Phase for the Lake Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela, Journal of Field Archaeology 2:105-118.

Wing, E.S. n.d. personal communication letter dated 2 May 1989.

Zucchi, A. and K. Tarble 1984 Los Cedenoides; Un Nuevo Grupo Prehispanico del Orinoco Medio, Acta Científica Venezolana 35:293-309, Caracas.

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Fig. 5. Shell Artifacts from Hope Estate.

Fig. 6. Radiolarian Limestone "eared-axes", Hope Estate.

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Fig. 7. Painted Ceramic Styles from levels I/II, Hope Estate.

Fig. 8. Incised Spirals on White-on-red and Z-I-C Sherds.

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Fig. 9. Curvilinear Incised Lines, Levels II/III and at the Separate Midden Area.

Fig. 10. Zoned Punctation from Level III and at the Separate Midden Area.

664

*u«-Fig. 11. Complex Zoomorphic Luge from the Separate Hidden.

¡Fig. 12. Complex Zoomorphic Lug (B) from Level I, and an Incised Lug (A) from Level II, of the Primary Hidden.

665

HOPE ESTATE SITE (SM-026), ST. MARTIN

RADIOCARBON DATES (uncalibrated)

Dates processed by Dr. Robert Stuckenrath, Applied Research Center, University of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

PITT-0451 was marine shell, all other samples were charcoal

PITT-0445 PITT-0451

PITT-0446

PITT-0219 PITT-0220

PITT-0452 PITT-0448

PITT-0449 PITT-0450

1490 ± 1515 ±

2225 ±

2275 ± 2250 ±

1660 ± 2050 ±

primary midden area (Sector XVII)

35 35

40

60 45

55 45

(A.D. 460) Unit A3, level 2 (10-20cm) (A.D. 435) Unit A25,level 3 (20-30cm)

(275 B.C.) Unit A3, level 3 (20-30cm)

(325 B.C.) Test Pit #1,level 5 (40-50cm)* (290 B.C.) Test Pit #1,level 6 (50-60cm)*

(A.D. 290) Unit A3, level 7 (60-70cm)? (100 B.C.) Unit A5, level 8 (70-80cm)?

small isolated midden area (Sector XXII)

2300 ± 2510 ±

55 40

(350 B.C.) Unit T20, level 3 (2030cm) (560 B.C.) Unit T20, level 3 (20-30cm)

* 1987 Haviser excavation ? possible contaminated date or evidence of turbation

Fig. 13. Radiocarbon dates from Hope Estate, St. Martin.