Pre-Colombian Jamaica: Caribbean Archeology and Ethnohistory

Aboriginal Indian Remains in Jamaica by J. E. Duerden / 229
being directed to a spot by the presence of numbers of marine bivalves found
exposed at the surface. Mr. Clerk allowed excavations to be made in order to
determine the nature and extent of the deposit. About twenty different parts
were examined.
The soil in most places is loose and mingled with stones of various sizes. The
shells are confined to the south- west declivity and are mainly superficial, but at
some few spots are found to a depth of two feet. They are scattered about promiscuously.
The following species were obtained: Helix acuta, var. patina, H.
jamaicensis, Strombus gigas, Pyrula melongena, Purpura patula, Turbo pica, Lucina
tigerina, Mytilus exustus, and Ampullaria fasciata.
The first two are terrestrial and by far the most abundant. Ampullaria fasciata
is a fresh water gastropod, while the others are marine shells. They are all
common species found living in the surrounding district, or in the sea, which
latter is distant about five miles.
Many of the flattened shells of Helix acuta have the upper part, for about
two and a half whorls, broken off; apparently this has no artificial significance,
as specimens were obtained in situ with the portion in process of separation.
Many have, however, the large irregular artificial perforation behind the mouth
of the shell. Mingled with the shells were found fragmentary pieces of coarse,
unglazed earthenware with occasional indented ornamentation. A bone of the
Indian coney, a few fish bones, and pieces of broken flints were obtained; but
the accumulations are not by any means extensive. Confusion was produced in
places by the finding of objects indicative of very modern European occupation,
such as broken pieces of glazed and painted pottery, glass, iron- nails, and
stems of pipes. It was [18] ascertained that the situation had been used during
slavery times as the Negro village. Foundations of the houses are still to be seen
on the top of the hill, and elsewhere their places of burial.
From a comparison of the shells, bones, and pottery obtained with those
from other places, not associated with any modern remains, we are evidently
warranted in considering the deposits at Wales as relics of an Indian occupation,
disturbed in later times by the residence of the Negro slaves belonging to
the property, at that time a sugar estate.
Stewart Castle.
The Stewart Castle mounds, six in number, are situated on a slight rising of the
ground along the border of a plain surrounded by picturesque hills. The selection
of this spot by the Indians, as a residence, is more characterized by its beautiful
surroundings than by any protective feature. The locality is about one and
a half miles from the sea, and the particular enclosure where the accumulations
occur is known, even today, as “Indian Town.” The property, which belongs to
Dr. Dewar, was formerly a sugar estate, and the mounds, though now covered