Pre-Colombian Jamaica: Caribbean Archeology and Ethnohistory

Aboriginal Indian Remains in Jamaica by J. E. Duerden / 255
Fig. VIII [Listed also as Plate II]. Axe- blade.
Figure IV, 4, give any indication, by being notched or abraded, of having been
fixed in handles. A celt similar to the Jamaican forms and fixed in a handle of
Lignum- vitae, was found in a cave in the Middle Caicos Islands by Mr. G. J.
Gibbs, and is now in the possession of Lady Blake. It is figured in the Institute
Journal, and in the “Latimer Collection” (Figure 11, not Figure 12). The well
finished perfection of form and highly polished surface of many would appear
to preclude the idea that they were mainly employed for industrial purposes.
In the Museum is only one specimen (Figure VIII) of the large axes, such as
are more characteristic of the Lesser Antilles, and which certainly appear better
adapted for cutting wood, etc.
While perhaps many may have been used as weapons, it seems not unreasonable
to suppose that some may have been regarded [33 is Plate II, (Fig. VIII,
Fig IX)] [34] as desirable ornaments, or, as having had a ceremonial function.
Figure 1, Plate I, is a specimen from Negril, at the western extremity of the
island, and was lent by Lady Blake. It is formed of some black metamorphic si-