A Reflection Of Society: 19th Century Mark-Making, Engravings And Inscriptions In The Caves Of Isla De La Mona.

Summary

This paper presents archaeological evidence on Isla de la Mona relating to periods of intense activity during the 19th century. Material remains inside many caves include evidence of guano extraction and mining-related. However, this is not the only evidence that can be obtained about the history of the 19th century in Mona; engravings, inscriptions and intentional marks abound in the caves. Various historic documents indicate that the island was visited by different individuals and communities, such as: fishermen, pirates, smugglers, geologists, engineers and tourists. The present research analyses the historic graffiti or mark-making from an archaeological and paleographic perspective to address the use of the cave spaces, identities, motives, and experiences of the people working or visiting the caves. The conservation challenges facing this vulnerable cultural heritage will be addressed. This study is part of a Masters thesis at the Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe. 

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016   •
• Current Multidisciplinary Research Approaches in Historical Archaeology

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 334