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
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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This thesis utilizes geologic methods and techniques (optical mineralogy and electron microprobe analysis) to characterize certain stone ground-edge artifacts from the site of El Cabo. This has...Show moreThis thesis utilizes geologic methods and techniques (optical mineralogy and electron microprobe analysis) to characterize certain stone ground-edge artifacts from the site of El Cabo. This has been done to locate the provenance of these samples and to build a better understand of the materials used by the Amerindians of the Dominican Republic. This research will also delve into possible rituals that existed with lithic procurement in this region and others. The goals of the thesis are to build a better understand of archaeology and geology of the insular-Caribbean as a whole and to zoom in on the Dominican Republic and the site of El Cabo.Show less
