The discoveries were first announced in 2022. Archaeologists working at the Cabo National Monument out on the northeastern tip of the Samana Peninsula found overwhelming evidence of human habitation, as reported in Listin Diario. That in itself was important, but as scientists continued to investigate the findings, there is now evidence that there were humans living on this island as early as 5,500 years ago. This is 2,500 years earlier than previous estimates.
These ancient people have been given the name “Samaneses” in honor of the province where the discoveries were made. The original estimates, based solely on the first discoveries, were that humans were here some 3,000 years ago. However, when the data came back from the Carbon-14 dating process of over 20 samples, everyone was surprised that the age was set at 5,500 years ago.
The archeological dig site is called “the Abrigo de Daniel” (or, Daniel’s overcoat), and, according to on site lead archeologist Adolfo Lopez, it was used as a place for carrying out different rituals and later as a cemetery. It is by far the most ancient ever found in the Antilles.
Institutions such as the University of Winnipeg, the Cuban Anthropological Institute, and Harvard University have taken part in the study of the area, Listin Diario reports. At least 26 individuals have been identified, ranging in age from 18 months to 40 years of age. What might be surprising was the fact that the population, overall, quite young, has been identified through DNA analysis as originating from Central America and Belize, not from South America as is traditionally taught in schools. The ancient population is said to have had corn in their diet, indicating that agriculture was a part of their culture.
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Listin Diario
Listin Diario
9 September 2024