Dialogues in Cuban Archaeology

El Chorro de Maíta / 133
7.2. Map of the Yaguajay Zone showing the location of archaeological sites
cave site, and two campsites (see Figure 7.2). Pairs of sites are common in the
area of Banes but not clusters such as this one. Considering the long sequence
of El Chorro de Maíta, it is possible that at one time many of these sites
were occupied synchronically. As does El Boniato, they share with El Chorro
de Maíta cultural features that go beyond the general similarities of the archaeological
area. They even possess common characteristics in terms of certain
objects of body ornamentation and ceremonial use (Valcárcel 1999:91)
not observed in other groupings, which de¤ne a unique identity for Yaguajay.
These archaeological elements re®ect an important link, perhaps of kinship
relationships.
According to Cassá (1992:90), the pattern of large villages surrounded
by smaller villages is described in the historical data of Hispaniola, where
it corresponded to tribal relationships in which the largest settlements assumed
the leadership of the group. For some investigators (Guarch Delmonte
et al. 1995) this settlement pattern in Cuba suggests “a tribal dependence,
produced by ¤ssioning of the parent group due to demographic or other
causes.” Given its higher demographic and economic potential and its strong
development of ceremonial elements and hierarchical structures, El Chorro
de Maíta could have operated as the head settlement of this group of sites in
Banes. However, it is still dif¤cult to de¤ne the particular characteristics of its
leadership.