Coastal Erosion and Site Destruction on Carriacou, West Indies

Abstract

Archaeological investigations on the island of Carriacou in the southern Lesser Antilles, west Indies, have revealed prehistoric sites dating from CAL A.D. 400 to 1400. Grand Bay is one of the largest and archaeologically richest sites on the island and in the region, but is rapidly succumbing to erosion from natural forces and human activities. A similar problem affects the site of Sabazan. Both sites are located on the windward east coast of the island and have been, or are currently, mined for sand; two hurricanes also occurred recently. Photographs and extensive mapping of Grand Bay and preliminary work at Sabazan indicate that both sites are eroding at an average rate of approximately 1 m per year along the lengths of their coastal profiles. These data, combined with a quantification of materials recovered from excavation at Grand Bay, indicate that the loss of cultural remains from natural and human causes is catastrophic and that these sites will likely be completely destroyed within the next two decades if erosion continues at its present rate.