Northeastern Nicaragua Research Articles

When the Forest and the Rivers is Home – Managing Indigenous Territory and Settler Relations in North Eastern Nicaragua

When the Forest and the Rivers is Home – Managing Indigenous Territory and Settler Relations in North Eastern Nicaragua

Metamorphic history of riebeckite- and aegirine-augite-bearing high-pressure–low-temperature blocks within the Siuna Serpentinite Mélange, northeastern Nicaragua

The Siuna Serpentinite Mélange (SSM) is a subduction-zone-related complex that contains diverse blocks of igneous and sedimentary origin, overprinted by various metamorphic conditions. The SSM is located at the southern border of the Chortís block and marks the boundary between continental and oceanic crusts in the western margin of the Caribbean Plate. The serpentinite matrix mainly consists of lizardite/chrysotile, Cr-rich spinel, and relict orthopyroxene that suggest a harzburgitic protolith and an upper mantle supra-subduction zone origin. Blocks within the southern and central regions range from Jurassic pelagic sediments to mafic/intermediate igneous rocks that are metamorphosed to various degrees, ranging from prehnite-pumpellyite/greenschist to likely blueschist facies (e.g. riebeckite-bearing metashale) conditions. In contrast, the northern section encloses almost exclusively epidote-amphibolite facies metabasite blocks, and minor mica- and chlorite-rich rocks of metasomatic origin, respectively. Some of the epidote-amphibolite blocks contain relic garnet-rich zones embedded in an amphibole-rich matrix. The garnets appear to record two generations of growth and contain mineral inclusions such as amphibole, apatite, titanite, aegirine-augite, and quartz. Thermobarometric estimates for the garnet-rich zones and epidote-amphibolite-rich matrix suggest a prograde blueschist facies at ~1.2 GPa and 400–450°C, an eclogite facies metamorphic peak at 1.5–1.7 GPa and 565–614°C, and a post-peak epidote-amphibolite facies metamorphism. These pressure and temperature estimates indicate a classical clockwise PT path that has been observed in many palaeo-subduction zone environments worldwide. Phengite Ar–Ar dating of mica-rich rock yields 140 Ma and suggests an Early Cretaceous exhumation along the southern edge of the continental Chortís block.

Involuntary mass spirit possession among the Miskitu

This paper seeks to understand the outbreaks and the development of grisi siknis, a form of mass spirit possession among the Miskitu of north-eastern Nicaragua. Earlier documented outbreaks typically involved a few adolescents, however, in recent years, violent large-scale epidemics have taken place, involving many people of all ages. This has coincided with recent developments in Miskitu society marked by conflicts, contradictions and tense social relations. The anthropological field technique of participant-observation was used. The research took place during 11 months from 2005 to 2008 in the port town of Puerto Cabezas. A total of 38 informants were interviewed. Group discussions, narratives and informal and semi-structured interviews were carried out, as well as participation in healing rituals. The paper shows that socio-economic, cultural, personal as well as environmental factors all contribute to outbreaks of grisi siknis. The affliction has previously been considered a ‘culture-bound syndrome’ only occurring among the Miskitu. However, when viewed in a more contemporary context and cross-cultural perspective, grisi siknis shows similarities with other forms of involuntary mass spirit possession, particularly in the ways it is manifested, experienced and appears to be spreading. The paper argues that the phenomenon should no longer be considered a ‘culture-bound condition’ but in fact a Miskitu version of involuntary mass spirit possession. Further research that seeks to understand other forms of involuntary mass spirit possession should emphasize the social, personal and environmental context as well as cross-cultural comparisons in order to encompass fully the role of culture in relation to illness and suffering.

Bounding the Commons: Land Demarcation in Northeastern Nicaragua

In north‐eastern Nicaragua, territorial titling of communal lands conflates particular notions of ethnicity with proprietary conceptions of space to generate new forms of conflict within and between indigenous and black communities, and with mestizo migrants. Notions of rights between competing groups, or within conflicting normative frameworks, become increasingly polemic during demarcation. While analysis of three land titling case studies demonstrates that results are socially contingent and place based, trends include: (a) power disparities; (b) tension between ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ patterns of land tenure and resource rights; and (c) contradictions fed by international conservation agendas and neoliberal economic reforms. Combining critical actor‐based analysis with practical policy critique our work illuminates how contestations over the bounding of communal territories contribute to social injustice.

Indications of vigor loss after fire in Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea) from electrical resistance measurements

In May 1993, electrical resistance measurements were performed on trees in burned and unburned stands of Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea Mor.) in north-eastern Nicaragua to determine whether tree vigor was affected by fire. An Osmose model OZ-67 Shigometer with digital readout was used to collect the sample electrical resistance data. Computer-simulated randomization techniques were used to evaluate the significance of differences in electrical resistance between living trees of burned and unburned stands of various ages. Electrical resistance was used as an index of the general metabolic activity of the tree – our chosen definition of tree vigor. Results indicate a loss of tree vigor in stands that burned in comparison with those that did not.

Narrating Place and Identity, or Mapping Miskitu Land Claims in Northeastern Nicaragua

This paper draws from my participation in mapping miskitu community land claims in the spring of 1997 to discuss the relationship between the mapping process and an identity politics of place in northeastern Nicaragua (the moskitia). in community fora that formed the critical element of the mapping process, miskitu community intellectuals passionately narrated miskitu history with recourse to moskitia geography and the places to be mapped. these public narratives resonated with and mobilized community audiences because they combined authoritative Miskitu identity signifiers, such as the Miskitu flag and biblical lessons, with commonplace toponyms and cultural landscapes. in narrating the relationship of miskitu identity to moskitia places, community intellectuals simultaneously critiqued the conventional wisdom of Nicaraguan historiography and transformed the initial aim of the mapping project by shaping the meaning of “community lands” for community members. in this way, the mapping project merged a cultural politics of place with those of identity.

British Logwood Extraction from the Mosquitia: The Origin of a Myth

British Logwood Extraction from the Mosquitia: The Origin of a Myth

Soil Mapping Experiences in Northeastern Nicaragua, 1963 to 1965

Soil Survey HorizonsVolume 38, Issue 4 p. 93-97 Article Soil Mapping Experiences in Northeastern Nicaragua, 1963 to 1965 Earl B. Alexander, Earl B. Alexander Consulting Soil Scientist 1714 Kasba St., Concord, CA, 94518Search for more papers by this author Earl B. Alexander, Earl B. Alexander Consulting Soil Scientist 1714 Kasba St., Concord, CA, 94518Search for more papers by this author First published: 04 August 2015 https://doi.org/10.2136/sh1997.4.0093Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume38, Issue4Winter 1997Pages 93-97 RelatedInformation

Controls and Development of Late Quaternary Periplatform Carbonate Stratigraphy in Walton Basin (Northeastern Nicaragua Rise, Caribbean Sea)

The late Quaternary sedimentary record in periplatform oozes and muds deposited on the northern Nicaragua Rise results from the interplay of four main controls: (1) input of pelagic carbonates and bank‐derived fine aragonite and magnesian calcite; (2) input of siliciclastic sediments; (3) dispersal and removal of sediments by the Caribbean Current; and (4) partial seafloor dissolution of metastable carbonates. High accumulation rates of the calcite coarse sediment fraction throughout the study area demonstrate that planktonic foraminiferal productivity peaked during interglacial stages. Neritic carbonate productivity also peaked during interglacial stages, when bank and shelf tops along the Nicaragua Rise were submerged within the photic zone. Because the bank and shelf tops remained mostly exposed during glacial stages, the surface area available for the neritic carbonate productivity was drastically reduced to a narrow band along the margins of Pedro Bank and the southern shelf of Jamaica. A large volume of siliciclastic sediments, transported from the coastal area of South America and the eastern and western regions of Jamaica, were deposited during glacial stages within the eastern and western deep extensions of Walton Basin. This finding contrasts with the input pattern of siliciclastic sediments in Walton Basin itself, where the largest input of siliciclastic sediments occurred at each of the interglacial climatic optima, corresponding to intervals of maximum sea level transgression. Finally, cores in water depths exceeding 1100 m display during interglacial stages aragonite accumulation rates systematically lower than rates in cores from water depths shallower than 1100 m. This indicates that some bank‐derived aragonite and magnesian calcite has been partially removed by seafloor dissolution in areas from water depths exceeding 1100 m. Results from this study on the northeastern Nicaragua Rise indicate that not only do offbank transport and water column saturation state influence the late Quaternary record but also that the variable strength of the Caribbean Current and the proximity of sources for siliciclastic sediments have played a major role in the development of the late Quaternary periplatform high resolution stratigraphy.

Late Quaternary Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy in Walton Basin, Northeastern Nicaragua Rise, Caribbean Sea

Late Quaternary Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy in Walton Basin, Northeastern Nicaragua Rise, Caribbean Sea

Lead isotope evidence for the formation of epithermal gold quartz veins in the Chortis Block, Nicaragua

Lead isotope compositions are reported here for auriferous quartz veins of Nicaragua and for some of their possible source rocks. The veins are hosted by a belt of Cenozoic continental margin basalts and basaltic andesites, which were formed as a result of the subduction of oceanic crust belonging to the Cocos plate under pre-Mesozoic sialic crust of the Caribbean plate. Volcanic rocks in northeastern Nicaragua show the most evolved lead isotope composition, indicating a strong influence from the pre-Cenozoic basement. In contrast, no basement influence can be detected in the volcanic rocks in central and western Nicaragua. The isotopic composition of the volcanic rocks in Nicaragua is thus a function of two ultimate sources: ocean floor basalts and pre-Mesozoic continental crust.Three groups of gold-bearing quartz veins have been distinguished in Nicaragua based on base metal content, structural trends, and lead isotope composition. Polymetallic veins in the Atlantic Coast group of northeastern Nicaragua contain up to several percent base metals and show relatively radiogenic lead isotope compositions. This isotopic signature indicates metal derivation from a Cenozoic volcanic (or intrusive) source with significant contamination of old sialic crust. Veins in the Highland group of central Nicaragua show similar northeast-trending structures but much lower base metal contents. They have low radiogenic lead isotope compositions indicating a Cenozoic volcanic source with insignificant contamination of old sialic crust. Veins belonging to the Nicaraguan Depression group of northwestern Nicaragua have very low base metal contents and show a wide range of lead isotope ratios that probably reflects lead from two types of Cenozoic volcanic rocks, as well as pre-Mesozoic (>400 Ma) basement rocks. Veins belonging to this group are structurally controlled by a major northwest-southeast-trending half graben (the Nicaraguan depression), which may constitute a surficial expression of the southwestern limit of the pre-Mesozoic basement.

Toward Indigeneous Liberation: The Sandinistas and the Miskito of Northeastern Nicaragua

Toward Indigeneous Liberation: The Sandinistas and the Miskito of Northeastern Nicaragua

Class, Ethnicity, and the State Among the Miskitu Amerindians of Northeastern Nicaragua

There are marginalized ethnic minorities in almost all countries of the American continent. In many cases, these superexploited autochthonous populations constitute national minorities and require an effective process of decolonization in order to achieve full cultural and economic emancipation. Not all ethnic groups necessarily qualify as distinct nationalities, of course, and not all national minority movements automatically represent the exploited classes. Nationhood is born out of the historical, cultural, and political economic formation of a people; it implies a unified collective consciousness and is usually expressed through struggle. When a population constitutes a distinct nationality, however, and is included in a dominated fashion within the frontiers of a larger state, the feasibility of a socialist liberation strategy based on the creation of autonomous administrative and cultural structures becomes a central issue. In order to determine whether regional autonomy will actually benefit the poor majority, however, the dynamics of the class struggle must be carefully examined. Narrowly nationalist sentiments are too frequently amenable to manipulation. The right to self-determination should not be seen as an abstract truism that legitimizes all secessionist movements. The validity of the demands of an ethnic group ultimately have to be judged by their class content as the struggle for socialism and the interests of the oppressed should always be the primary concern. In Nicaragua, the first continental state in the western hemisphere in

Birds of the Lowland Pine Savanna of Northeastern Nicaragua

Journal Article Birds of the Lowland Pine Savanna of Northeastern Nicaragua Get access Thomas R. Howell Thomas R. Howell Department of Zoology University of California Los Angeles, California 90024 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Condor, Volume 74, Issue 3, 1 July 1972, Pages 316–340, https://doi.org/10.2307/1366592 Published: 01 July 1972 Article history Accepted: 01 March 1972 Published: 01 July 1972

Observations on the natural history of the thick-spined rat, Hoplomys gymnurus, in Nicaragua

Examples of the little-known Thick-spined or Armoured Rat, Hoplomys gymnurus, were obtained in northeastern Nicaragua (an extension of the previously known range) and observations on its natural hi...

New Subspecies of Birds from the Lowland Pine Savanna of Northeastern Nicaragua

New Subspecies of Birds from the Lowland Pine Savanna of Northeastern Nicaragua

Gold Mining in the Nicaragua Rain Forest

1955of Pacific Coast Geographers49 GOLD MINING IN THE NICARAGUA RAIN FOREST* J. J. Parsons Univ. of California, Berkeley In no country of the New World does gold and gold mining play so prominent a role in the national economy as it does in the Central American Republic of Nicaragua. If the USSR's production is excluded, Nicaragua's annual bullion output of 260,000 ounces in recent years has accounted for better than one per cent of the world's gold production. Among the Latin American* republics only Mexico and Colombia surpass it,- on a per capita basis Nicaragua (1950 population, 1,057,000) stands easily at the head of the list. With the world's gold-mining industry in the doldrums gold was nevertheless the leading export from Nicaragua every year but one between 1938 and 1949. Recently , in the face of soaring coffee prices, it has dropped to second place on the country's export list. In 1953 reported bullion shipments were valued at $8.7 million (U. S.) or nearly $8 per capita. Colonial Nicaragua had no mines of importance. In the latter part of the 19th century several vein mines were brought into production in the drier and more populous western half of the country. The manager of one of these was the Englishman Thomas Belt, author of A Naturalist in Nicaragua, one of the real classics of natural history and geography. At least three of these vein mines still operate today, an easy few hours drive from Managua. Two of them (El Limon, La India) are owned by a Canadian company (Noranda Mines, Ltd.), while Belt's old Javali mine in Chontales is in the hands of local Nicaraguan capital. Together they account for about one-third of Nicaragua's gold production. *The writer visited Nicaragua in the spring of 1953 in connection with field studies supported by the Office of Naval Research. He also acknowledges the hospitality and assistance of his friend Stuart McCullough, manager of the Neptune Gold Mining Company of Bonanza. 50 Yearbook of The Association Vol. 17 Gracia» a Dios 1 , 9i milesPuerto Cabe PIS PIS DISTRL ~w -^ cutía IAIUZMINES/^ r y Cutcuma Alamicambra tes» 0 40«0 MILES nxapolka Bluefteldj Fig. 1. Mining districts and main transportation routes of northeastern Nicaragua. 19SSof Pacific Coast Geographers51 The larger share of Nicaragua's gold comes from mines located in the rain-drenched hills 180 miles east of Managua and 90 miles from the Atlantic coast at the headwaters of tributaries of the Rió Coco and the Rió Prinzapolca (Figure 1). These mines were discovered in 1889-90 by castilla rubber collectors moving up the navigable rivers from the Miskito Coast. In Latin America the good mines are almost always antiguas, but there is no indication that the existence of gold here had been known either to the Indians or to the early Spaniards. The reason is not difficult to see. The rain forest of eastern Nicaragua is one of the least accessible and least known areas of tropical America. Its only roads are the rivers, which are fed by an annual rainfall which ranges from 100 to 150 inches. Along the Caribbean coast and extending northward into Honduras there is an extensive quartz gravel plain which is covered with pine savanna, perhaps the rainiest area of such size anywhere on earth which is a grassland. The boundary between savanna and forest (the "bush lines") lies roughly half way between the coast and the mines. The Pis Pis District and La Luz There are no placers of consequence in eastern Nicaragua. The gold most commonly occurs in veins that were intruded into the Tertiary andésite lavas which cover much of the central interior of the country. The Pis Pis District is characterized by a complex pattern of roughly parallel auriferous quartz ledges and stringers which stand up a ridges against the softer, deeply weathered country rock. The geologic pattern has been likened to that of California's Mother Lode region. At La Luz the ore is disseminated through an extensive limestone mass, a part of a larger limestone island which was left uncovered by the lavas. Two major companies today account...

Geological reconnaissance in northeastern Nicaragua

Introduction In the spring of 1910 the writer accompanied a party of mining engineers to the Pis-Pis mining district of Nicaragua. Landing at Cape Gracias a Dios, we ascended the Wanks, Waspuc, and Pis-Pis rivers, an estimated distance of 225 miles to the mines. Fifteen days were spent in the district, and then two of us descended the Tunkey, Banbana, and Prinzapulca rivers an estimated distance of 195 miles, to the mouth of the latter. Several days were also spent at Blueflelds. Although the trip was too rapid to permit of detailed geological work except in the vicinity of a few mines, a series of observations were made that seem worthy of record. Thomas Belt, who went to Nicaragua in 1868 to superintend the mining operations of the Chontales Gold Mining Company, describes 2 the rocks in the silver-mining district of Depilto in Segovia as consisting of quartz and gneissoid beds . . .

Recent Discoveries in Northeastern Nicaragua: Granite Hills, Moutonnéd Ridges and Gold-Containing Lodes or Reefs, and Leads or Placer Mines

Recent Discoveries in Northeastern Nicaragua: Granite Hills, Moutonnéd Ridges and Gold-Containing Lodes or Reefs, and Leads or Placer Mines