Archaeology              

Photo by former Museum Archaeologist, Margaret Leshikar-Denton

 

An aim of the 2009 re-launch of the National Museum is to restore and protect national archaeological sites and finds as part of an invigorated archaeological programme.

Adding to the programme’s dynamism is the “Old Gaol”, which, with the discovery of old graffiti in 2007, has emerged as the premiere archaeological site of the Cayman Islands. To re-energise the programme, new staff are being recruited and strengthened legislation is on the horizon.

In addition to investigating materials and sites, the earliest of which date back to the early 1700s, an important goal of CINM’s archaeological programme will be to document and understand early human presence in Cayman. Archaeological investigations have so far not revealed signs of Ciboney, Arawak or Carib Indians, although much speculation remains. An important goal for the CINM’s archaeology programme is to seek to uncover even older and more significant indicators of early life.