Archaelogical Investigations
Research Background
One of the first attempts to investigate the archaeology of Carriacou and adjacent islands was by Fewkes in 1904 who described the artifacts found there as “among the finest West Indian ware that has yet come to the Smithsonian Institution.” Intensive archaeological research on the island, however, has been limited. Bullen and Bullen (1972) made a short trip to Carriacou and Union in the 1960s in which they collected artifacts and excavated a foot thick “slice” from the coastal profile at Sabazan. Sutty (1990) conducted a more extensive survey of Carriacou and recorded a number of sites with a wide array of ceramic styles, some of which appeared to have unique designs.
In 2003 archaeologists systematically surveyed nearly the entire coastline as well as interior areas that were relatively flat or easily accessible. They recorded 11 locations with evidence for prehistoric occupation, six of which had significant finds indicative of long-term settlement. Of these six sites, two (Sabazan and Grand Cay) had extensive stratified coastal profiles with abundant faunal remains, artifacts, and hearth features that were heavily eroding.
Survey and excavation at Grand Cay have enabled the archaeologists to postulate that the boundaries of the Grand Cay site extend at least 130 meters along the coast and from 30-60 meters inland. Portions of the coastal profile are 4 meters in height, but in more eroded areas it measures from 1-2 meters high. As investigations continue the site boundaries may be extended.
Artifacts
Numerous artifacts were discovered at Grand Cay. A majority of cultural remains were pottery sherds, but a stone cemi (zemi) was found near the surface. Cemis are the spiritual manifestations of native Amerinidians and were important religious objects. This is the only cemi found on the island and one of the few in the southern Caribbean .
Clay body stamps were also found. When dipped in an ink-like substance and pressed onto the body, they provided beautiful ornamentation.
Burials
At least four burials have been found at Grand Cay (3 adult and 1 child). These all appear to have been buried in a fetal position and several were discovered eroding out of the site.
Excavation Methods
After the site was measured and a grid system set up, several 5 x 5 meter areas were excavated. These areas were further separated into 1 x 1 meter squares for better spatial and temporal control during excavation.
The site was excavated using shovels, maddocks, and trowels, typical for these kinds of sites. Shovels and maddocks were typically used to take off the surface layer (grass, etc.) and stickier soils while trowels were used to excavate more carefully in dense midden and looser soils.
Site Stratigraphy
The coastal profile is up to 4m high and displays clearly stratified layers of faunal remains and artifacts that lie above archaeologically sterile geological layers of mixed pebbles, limestone, and clay. The archaeological midden area is inter-cut by a series of eroded gulleys that reveal the depth of the humic topsoil and expose an orange/yellow subsoil into which a number of features were cut.
Features
Archaeological features present at Grand Cay include numerous postholes that are remnants of former residential structures. These can be seen in the coastal profile and on the surface of the subsoil (the deepest stratigraphic layer which is yellow-brown in color).
Survey and Site Maps
The site grid was first measured with a compass and tape to define the general areas to be excavated. This was followed up with more detailed measurements using a Total Station. This advanced instrument shoots a laser to a prism mounted on a pole. By measuring the time it takes for the laser beam to bounce back to the Total Station, a highly accurate measurement of distance, angle, and elevation can be taken.
Faunal Remains
Numerous faunal remains were collected during excavation. These included shellfish and bones of lizards, turtle, and fish.
Island Maps
Archaeologists digitized existing topographic maps of the island and created Digital Elevation Models ( DEMs ). These 3D models have allowed the researchers to create more detailed and interactive maps of the island, the site, and to more accurately record data that is collected in the field.
Radiocarbon Dates
Numerous samples were collected from excavation squares and the coastal profile for radiocarbon dating. Only some of these were deemed acceptable for dating. The following table shows the dates returned from the radiocarbon lab.
Image Collection of Radiocarbon Dates
Radiocarbon Dates (pdf format)