Informatie
‘Archaeological Investigations on Aruba: The Malmok Cemetery’ is a comprehensive study of a preceramic burial site at Malmok, Aruba, conducted by A.H. Versteeg, J. Tacoma, and P. van de Velde. Published in 1990 by the Archaeological Museum Aruba, this 83-page report delves into the excavation and analysis of 58 graves, providing insights into the burial customs and social structures of Aruba’s early inhabitants.
The study reveals that the Malmok cemetery was used between 450 and 1000 AD. The individuals buried there were typically short and stocky, with adult males averaging 1.57 meters in height and females averaging 1.49 meters. The burial patterns suggest that these early inhabitants traveled in clans of 15 to 30 people, led by an adult male who was buried at the center of the cluster. His elevated status was emphasized by the presence of several stones marking his grave, with the rest of the family group buried around him.
The report also includes a statistical analysis of the distribution of graves and associated grave goods, shedding light on the social dynamics and cultural practices of the preceramic population.
Contents
SUMMARY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ch 1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND INTERPRETATIONS (A.H. Versteeg)
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Geography
1.1.2 History of Research
1.2 The Cemetery at Malmok
1.2.1 Dimensions, no of burials
1.2.2 Information of the Dead
1.2.3 Posture of the dead and grave gifts
1.2.4 The stones on the burials and the status of the individuals
1.3 Formal Disposal of the Dead
1.4 Dating of the Malmok Site
1.4.1 The burials
1.4.2 The shell midden
1.5 Canashitu
1.6 Curacao
1.7 Burial Sites outside Aruba and Curacao
1.7.1 Colombia
1.7.2 Cuba
1.7.3 Skull shape
Ch 2 THE DISTRIBUTION OF GRAVES AND GIFTS: A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS (P. van de Velde)
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The Geographical Distribution of the Graves
2.3 The Use of the Cemetery over Space and Time
2.4 Other Information on the Burials
2.5 Conclusions
Ch 3 THE PHYSICAL – ANTHROPOLOGICAL DATA (J. Tacoma)
3.1 The Skeletons studied; Preservation
3.2 Methods
3.2.1 Sex
3.2.2 Age
3.2.3 Stature
3.2.4 Pathology
3.2.5 Osteometry
3.3 Observations
3.3.1 Children
3.3.2 Adults
3.3.3 Skulls
3.3.4 Dentition
3.4 Conclusions
NOTES
REFERENCES
TABLES
