Pigeon Island, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia — Caribbean Region (Lesser Antilles)
Carib Caves
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, April 26, 2015
1. Carib Caves Marker
The Caribbean Sea gets its name from the Calingo or Carib people from South America who began their migration northward into the Antilles about 1000 A.D. They settled in areas close to the mainland supplies of fresh water, flora and fauna, near the sea but safe from surprise attack.
As well as building wood and thatch shelters, the Carib also exhibited troglodytic or cave-dwelling tendencies and used these small caves among the borders along the shoreline.
They dived for conch shells and fished with bow and arrow, spears, lines, nets. The also used birds such as the pelican and the kingfisher: a long line would be tied to the bird; once the bird had caught its fish, it would be quickly snatched away.
Look for offshore marine life and corals, coloured sea algae on the rocks beyond the caves, and orchids growing on the cliff face. Also look for the zemi on top of the big rock.
Erected by Saint Lucia National Trust.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1000 CE.
Location. 14° 5.432′ N, 60° 57.971′ W. Marker is on Pigeon Island, Gros Islet. This marker is at Pigeon Island Natural Landmark.
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Regionally, it is one of the Lesser Antilles on the Caribbean Sea, in in the Atlantic Ocean, in North America, in the Western Hemisphere, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: U.S. Signal Station (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Fort Rodney (about 120 meters away); Josset's House (about 120 meters away); Musket Redoubt (about 150 meters away); Lime Kiln (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Gunslide (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Cooperage (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); C.O.'s Quarters (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pigeon Island.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Ridge Battery (was about 180 meters away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, April 26, 2015
2. Wide view of Carib Caves Marker
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, April 26, 2015
3. The Carib Caves closer to the beach.
The "zemi", which is a sculptural object that houses a spirit, can be seen on the top of the large rock to the left.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 11, 2018
4. Zemis at the Museum of the Dominican People (Museo del Hombre Dominicano) in Santo Domingo
These zemis, or trigonolitos, are part of a display on the Taino culture at the museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 7,444 times since then and 592 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on June 3, 2018, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
