Cleopatrice's view on the archaeological research

“When I was first asked about the excavations, I could see the bigger picture. I could see what this could do for Grenada”, she begins. In 2013, Cleopatrice was approached by archaeologists to excavate a part of her land in search for Kalinago sites. Last January, a NEXUS1492 team worked on these excavations in La Poterie, Grenada. The remains of two Carib Kalinago roundhouses were found, confirming that a Kalinago village existed in that area centuries ago.

According to Cleopatrice, the research project raises awareness on the importance of protecting cultural heritage in Grenada. “People in the land can tell you where they used to walk as children, and it’s disappeared! It makes you wonder what was to be found there before, in terms of heritage”, she explains. For the islanders, knowing that key artefacts have been found in the area, can help them see the value of other artefacts, such as pieces of pottery, that they may find on their own lands. “Having the experts come in and explain: this is Kalinago, this is 17th century, et cetera, is important and provides additional information for the community as well.”

The Grenadian landowner also emphasises the importance of the findings for the people of La Poterie: “As well as learning about the Kalinago and finding out that not only did Kalinago people walk through this land, they also lived there, is mind blowing”. She continues, “You look at history and it’s so far back. These investigations and excavations have pinpointed it: it’s not a myth. The evidence is there, in the postholes made by the Kalinago people.”