Mortuary practices are one of the most important sources in archaeological research. In case of the Caribbean area, there is still much to learn about the cultures that lived here before the...Show moreMortuary practices are one of the most important sources in archaeological research. In case of the Caribbean area, there is still much to learn about the cultures that lived here before the arrival of Columbus. Still under a lot of discussion are the mortuary practices involving non-adults in the Late Ceramic Age sites in the Lesser Antilles. Data on this age category is quite scarce and thus research about it would provide new insights in the general mortuary practices of this region and time period. This thesis tries to answer the main question of what the mortuary practices of non-adults are in the Lesser Antilles, during the Late Ceramic age. The focus lies on the sites of Kelbey’s Ridge 2, San I Manzanilla, Anse à la Gourde, Lavoutte and Tutu in particular. This is done by conducting a literary study, using existing literature on excavations in the Caribbean area, and answering a few sub questions. These include what is already known of the mortuary practices in the Caribbean area, at what age an individual would be considered an adult, what the mortuary practices are for both adults and non-adults, and what differences and similarities there are between the two. The mortuary practices in the Lesser Antilles area during the LCA are very complex and highly varied. However, most individuals, both adults and non-adults, are buried in a flexed position, are located in relation to a house structure, rarely have grave goods, and are buried in primary, secondary as well as composite burials. These are only a few of the many practices that are quite widespread within the area. The biggest difference between non-adult and adult burials is the general under representation of non-adults on many of the sites. In the end the mortuary practices that apply particularly on non-adults are probably related to the under representation of infants and other non-adults because these age categories were most likely intentionally buried separately from adults and sometimes older non-adults. However, more research needs to be done, creating a bigger sample size, in order to get a solid conclusion on this subject.Show less
For years, academics have focused on colonial past of Caribbean islands, not looking into what became of these non-sovereign jurisdictions. For this reason, this thesis focuses on the post-colonial...Show moreFor years, academics have focused on colonial past of Caribbean islands, not looking into what became of these non-sovereign jurisdictions. For this reason, this thesis focuses on the post-colonial relationship between a colonizer and colony, looking at the influence of smallness and non-sovereignty on the quality of governance. The relationship at hand is that within the Dutch Kingdom, between Aruba and the Netherlands; one that is constantly fluctuating. As Aruba has just celebrated 30 years of being an autonomous country within the Kingdom, it is a good time to reflect on the relationship, its influences and the quality of governance. It is apparent that there are also many advantages and disadvantages in the relationship; where each other’s support internationally is an advantage, and the Aruban mal-governance in the finance department is arguably the biggest disadvantage. The thesis elaborates on the influences of smallness, non-sovereignty and good governance on countries in general as well as on Aruba. The thesis ends combining all influences and concluding that there is no good governance in the jurisdiction and that its sovereignty is a bigger influence than smallness, as the island’s size cannot be changed. By using scholarly works, as well as media articles, archives and personal interviews conducted by the author herself; the thesis opens way for new research on the topic, as well as highlights the need for more discourse on the matter.Show less
A sample of zoomorphic adornos, unearthed at the site of El Flaco (13th - 15th century CE) in the northwest of the Dominican Republic, has been ichnographically analyzed, based on the three-stage...Show moreA sample of zoomorphic adornos, unearthed at the site of El Flaco (13th - 15th century CE) in the northwest of the Dominican Republic, has been ichnographically analyzed, based on the three-stage model as developed by Panofsky (1939), to discover the cultural meaning of the animals identified on the adornos in the known creation narratives and cosmology of the Taíno peoples. This is expected to contribute to the generally unknown cultural relevance of adornos to the pre-colonial communities in the Caribbean archipelago. The iconographical analysis has revealed a close association between the adornos, and the known cosmological views and creation narratives of the Taíno peoples, as recorded by Ramón Pané. A diversity of animals have been identified on the adornos, which include bats, turtles/tortoises, frogs/toads, primates, crocodiles, lizards, rodents and birds. These animals appear to be associated with the spirits of departed ancestors, seduction/deception, fertility, shamanism and the maintenance of a balance between the three realms of the Taíno cosmos.Show less
