Pirates and Slave Ships: The Historical Context of Two Wrecks in Cahuita, Costa Rica

Summary

Cahuita, Costa Rica is a secluded part of the Caribbean coastline where, historically, pirates hid away to escape capture and to restock their supplies. It was also an entry point to bring slaves into the mainland Spanish colonies. Two shipwreck sites, which have yet to be positively identified, are part of the attractions in the bay for snorkel tourism. The stories about the origins of the wrecks are very diverse, ranging from French and Spanish pirate vessels (Palmer 2005) to the Danish slave vessels, Fredericus Quartus and Christianus Quintus (Lohse 2005; Holm 1982; Norregard 1948). Based upon the interpretation of site formation processes on the shipwreck sites and further research into primary sources, this paper will discuss the various historical contexts surrounding the identity of  the two wreck sites in Cahuita Bay.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Expedition Costa Rica: East Carolina University’s Summer 2015 Maritime Studies Field School in Cahuita and Puerto Viejo   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 277