Archaic Age

Previously known as the Siboney, the Archaic Age inhabitants represent the first humans known to have settled on Antigua. The first, or oldest site, is at Little Deep in Mill Reef (3,100 BC). The Archaic Age people are believed to have originated in South America. They are known archaeologically by their distinctive lithic technology; the manufacturing of flint blades from prepared cores. Interestingly, some aspects of their lithic technology on Antigua closely resembles that of the Greater Antilles, and no Archaic Age sites have been found south of Antigua with a material culture that is comparable to those of Antigua. Large macro blades, backed knives, ground stone tools, such as conical shaped pestals and earred axes are typical of this tradition. They generally settled directly on the seafront in areas rich in shellfish and marine resources. It is not known what plants they utilised or grew as food, however, the significant numbers of grinding tools suggest that plants were being processed. Their sites are typically delineated by shell middens and patinated flakes made from Long Island flint . Over fifty sites have been catalogued on Antigua.

Introduction | Archaic Age | Ceramic Age/Pre Columbian Saladoid | Post Saladoid | Historical Period | Common Myths