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Royall's

Pre Columbian Saladoid

 

The Royall's site (JO-11) first came to the attention of investigators in February, 1998, with the presentation of artifacts from an unknown site to staff of of the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. The exact location of the site was subsequently located approximately 1 kilometre inland, east of Cedar Grove village, St. John's Parish, on the northside of the island. Today, it occupies an open area that is bounded by low hills along a once well defined, and now damned, watercourse. The site is in close proximity to the Royall's Sugar Estate--thus the site name--yet, surprisingly, appears not to have been seriously damaged by it.

Archaeological research at the Saladoid site of Royall's on Antigua, has greatly expanded our understanding of the pre-Columbian peoples and their intimate knowledge of the natural resources available on the island. Recently excavated finds include, hearths, ceramic vessels, a ceramic mask, and further evidence of the manufacturing of beads and pendants with locally available raw material. The latter has inspired a geological survey of the island to confirm the availability of the minerals and gemstones. Preliminary analysis of the faunal remains indicates a susbstantial exploitation of terrestirial fauna, especially of rice rates. Radiocarobon dates place habitation at Royall's between cal. AD 250-650.

The result of this study and fieldwork was beyond expectation.

Ceramic Age/Pre Columbian Sites: Cades Bay | Doigs | Elliot's | Green Castle Hill | Indian Creek | Long Island | Mill Reef | Royall's