SALVAGE ARCHAEOLOGY AT VILLA TAINA, PUERTO RICO

R. Christopher Goodwin and Jeffery B. Walker

Salvage archaeology at the Villa Taina site was sought for and funded by the de­ velopers of Villa Taina, Intercontinental Investments, Inc. , so that knowledge of this site would be preserved for posterity. At a time when numerous sites are being lost to development, their foresight and cooperation sets an invaluable precedent for private enterprise in Puerto Rico.

Our project being salvage, our methodology, both in the field and in the labora­ tory, reflects our preoccupation with the site in toto, within the limits of time available for field work. Our theoretical emphasis was on reconstructing the way of life of the in­ habitants of Villa Taina, rather than on larger comparative generalizations.

The site is located, 2. 5 km north of Boquerón and 5. 8 km south of Punta Ostiones, in Barrio Pedernale of the municipality of Cabo Rojo, southwestern Puerto Rico. It has not been previously noted in the literature. It is situated on a small hill 36 m above mean sea level, one km north of Boquerón Bay. Mangroves are abundant on the shoreline and large swamp areas are present to the south and southwest. The site itself is a shell midden, 33 by 51 m, which encompasses the entire top portion of the hill. Vegetation consists of xerophytic shrubs and grasses. It is bordered to the south by a driveway, to the east and west by mounds of dirt bulldozed from the driveway, and to the north by Highway 307.

A grid, comprising 187 nine-square meter units was integrated to a contour map of the site by the establishment of a base line (Fig. 1) north-east. Four datum points were installed in the grid so that a line level from one could be used to determine the exact, as well as the relative depth of excavated artifacts. Shovels, trowels, brushes, and . 5 by . 75 in. sieves were used in the excavation, which followed natural stratigraphy. After establishing the parameters of the midden by the alternate pit method, trenches were used to excavate in the areas of greatest artifact density. In all, 12 three-meter squares were excavated over a three month period during the summer of 1972.

Of the four strata, only the top two yielded cultural material. The top stratum of dark clay and humus, disturbed by the plow contained fragmented Spanish and Indian artifacts. A sociological study conducted by two Interamerican University students confirmed the previous existence of a Spanish dwelling and later of sugar cane cultivation on the site. The second stratum encompassed the actual midden. Nowhere was the midden deeper than 45 cm. Representative soil samples showed a pH range from 6.5 to 7.0. In addition, microscopic soil analyses were conducted. Under the plow line, the midden deposit, measured 31. 5 m south to north, and 9 m east to west. The area northwest of the site center was disturbed by the bulldozer, hence the original was un­ doubtedly larger. Reconstructions

Our first area of archaeological reconstruction concerned the diet at Villa Taina. It was our objective to come up with an indication of what foodstuffs were consumed at the site, as well as to discern the relative importances of these foods. For this reason,

1 VILLA TAINA

Grid units are three meters on a side, hatched areas represent pot hunters' holes, DRIVEWAY excavated squares are numbered. Fig. 1 Excavation plan, Villa Taina site during the course of the excavation, all animal remains were collected as well as sam­ ples of the shells that composed the bulk of the midden. While the faunal analysis has not yet been completed and hence must be dealt with at a later date, some general con­ clusions can be made. First, it is clear that shellfish comprised the bulk of the animal proteins consummed by the inhabitants of Villa Taina. Twenty-seven species of bivalves and 21 species of gastropod were represented in the midden. However, gastropods were not nearly as common. The distribution of these species is diagrammed in Table 1.

It is significant that almost all of the shellfish species found at Villa Taina can be collected either among mangrove roots or in the associated flats of turtle grass in shallow water adjoining the mangroves. Few species typical of a rocky shoreline were found, including such easily collected species as the Nerites. The original inhabitants of Villa Taina seem to have exploited a relatively limited marine environment. Inter­ estingly, large concentrations of the arks and of other small bivalves were found through­ out the site. These were probably boiled whole much as clams are today, and these con­ centrations occur where the pot was dumped after cooking. Dentitions of the rodent Table 1 - DISTRIBUTION OF SHELLFISH AT VILLA TAINA

Species Pit 1 Pit Pit 9 Total BIVALVES Anomalocardia brasiliana Gmelin 346 2207 5399 7952 Crassostrea rhizophorae Guilding 321 631 2613 3565 Area zebra Swainson 1263 1031 1004 3298 Codakia obicularis Linne 84 183 341 608 Isognomen alatus Gmelin 22 13 530 565 Area imbricata Bruguiere 23 28 154 205 Phacoides pectinatus Gmelin 12 43 77 132 Chama macerophylla Gmelin 26 35 35 96 Anadara notabilis Roding 25 23 17 65 Brachidontes recurvas Rafinesque 36 36 Arcopagia fausta Pultney ~~6 17 65 Psuedochama radians Lamarck ~5 5 10 20 Chione cancellata Linne 1 5 13 19 Ostrea equestris Say 15 15 Barbatia candida Helbing ~~5 9 14 Chama congregata Conrad 2 3 2 7 Barbatia cancellaria Lamarck 6 6 Ostrea frons Linne T 3 5 Spondylus americanus Hermann ~T~ 2 1 4 Anadara ovalis Bruguiere 4 4 Plicatula gibbosa Lamarck ~2~ ~T 3 Asaphis deflorata Linne i ~Z~ 3 Pinna Carnea Gmelin 3 3 Lyropecten nodosus Linne ~~z 2 Chione granulata Gmelin 1 1 Aequipecten gibbus Linne 1 1 Anodontia alba Link 1 1

GASTROPODA (Marine) Murex brevifrons Lamarck 8 16 3 27 Fasciolaria tulipa Linne 3 6 11 20 Murex pomum Gmelin 5 9 4 18 Strombus costatus Gmelin 3 5 3 11 Cittarium pica Linne 3 2 2 7 Cassis tuberosa Linne — 3 3 Strombus gigas Linne — 1 2 3 Nerita versicolor Gmelin — 2 1 3 Turbo castanea Gmelin — 1 2 3 Turritella variegata Linne — 2 1 3 Cassis madigascariensis Lamarck 1 1 2 Cypraea cinérea Gmelin — Strombus rainus Gmelin 1 Leucozonia nas sa Gmelin 1 Vasum muricatum Born 1 Ostraea tuber Linne 1 Cymatium fémorale Linne 1 Polydontes sp. 10 4 15 29 Drymaeas sp. 8 2 5 15 Pleurodonte carocolla Linnaeus 2 2 4 Megalomastoma croceum Gmelin — 1 2 4 VILLA TAINA hutia (Isolobodon Puertoricensis ) was well represented, although the ratio of shellfish to hutia consumed appears to be around 1,200 to 1. No manatee bones were found, and fish bones were not common. Fragments of clay griddles were common, indicating that manioc cassava bread was raised and consumed as a staple.

Osteology was the second area of reconstruction dealt with. One, apparently sec­ ondary, burial was encountered from 15 to 20 cm below surface in the midden stratum of Pit 8. The long bones were aligned approximately on the east-west axis. The burial consisted of both femura, tibiae, and fibulae, one fragmentary ulna, and of dention. All of the bones were lacking epiphyses. Because of curious damage to these bones, they were sent to the Smithsonian for photomicrographic study. Briefly, two types of destructive processes were present in this sample. The first, which affected the outside of one femur, appears as an incising process. It is probable that this was caused by root action. The inside s of the long bones, and the roots of the teeth demonstrate a dissolving process, possibly due to an enzyme active in the soil base. However, the involvement of these bones is decidedly unequal. Hopefully, future research will clarify the nature and distribution of these destructive agents.

In addition, the teeth from this secondary burial were found in association with seven central incisors from three distinct individuals. Two of these were deciduous. A single central incisor from this assemblage has macroscopic damage labially, on the crown; this damage appears to have been affected ante mortem. None of the other inci­ sors are similarly damaged. The significance of this assemblage, for the present, is unclear. One additional set of 14 teeth was excavated from Pit 8; it was not associated with the other skeletal material. None of the teeth previously discussed can be associated with this individual. Caries were present on four teeth in this latter sample, all on teeth with little or no calculus. Eleven teeth had calculus.

The considerable and uneven wear on the lower right wisdom tooth demonstrates that this individual had reached maturity. While estimations of pre-contact life spans are tenuous, utilizing an estimated average life span of forty years, the attrition in this sam­ ple indicates that this individual had attained our estimated optimum. Dr. T. Dale Stewart, U.S. National Museum, Smithsonian Institution, who examined this sample, concurred in this estimate. However, it should be noted that dental attrition is due to a number of fac­ tors besides simple longevity. The most obvious of these considerations is diet. Types of food and methods of food preparation greatly influence attrition. The large number of shell fish consumed at this site indicates that the diet included abrasive sand and shell. Further, it is possible that these people used their teeth as tools to crack bones and to open small mollusk shells. This estimate, then, is tentative. It can be reasonably as­ sumed that, due to the calculus and attrition on these teeth, this individual had perio­ dontal disease. Additionally, one of these teeth had a tumor of enamel origin (amelo- blastoma), suggesting the possibility of dental hypoplasia. This does not appear to have affected his longevity. Artifacts of Bone and Shell

Bone artifacts consisted of two small needles, and two awls. Shell tools were more numerous. They were divided into two classes, based on primary function. The first of these, decorative or aesthetic artifacts, consisted of two small shell discs or beads. The second class, utilitarian artifacts, included 4 celts (Fig. 2), 1 chisel, 1 cup (?), 3 gravers, and 2 problematical forms. GOODWIN AND WALKER 5

Fig. 2. Red painted boat shaped vessel and Strombus gigas celts. (Figs. 2-6 have scales in inches. :tííté|lESi

Coral was common throughout the site. It was probably used mainly as an abra­ sive, for scrapers, polishers, graters, or as fish scalers. Manicina areolata (rose coral), Aciopora palmata (elkhorn coral), and Montastiea annulaus were the most com­ mon species.

Lithic Materials

The inhabitants of Villa Taina had a flake tool industry, although a few cores were utilized as tools. Of 170 flakes, 66 bore no signs of secondary working and did not lend themselves to further classification. A descriptive typology of the remaining 104 flakes was attempted, again on the basis of form and function.Sixty-two (59. 6%) of these are geometric in shape, of which 12 (11. 5%) are blades. Of the 50 remaining flakes, 42 (84%) are trapezoids, 4 (8%) are ovoid, 1 is hexagonal, and 1 rectangular. Eleven are illustrated in Figure 3.

The first type group encompassed the blades. Six are true blades, 4 backed blades, and 2 strangulated. Seventeen single-edged cutting tools (16.3%) comprise the second type group. Eleven of these 65%) are trapezoids. Six are secondarily worked, 2 with a single bevel across the cutting edge, and 4 with marginal retouch on one side of the working edge. All of the latter are slightly serrated, possibly through use. Fifteen trapezoidal double-cutting flakes comprise the third type group (14.4%). Sixty-seven percent of these are retouched, half utilizing the single bevel technique, and half have marginal retouch. All of the marginally retouched double-edged cutters are serrated. Five triple-edged cutters (4. 8%) constitute the fourth type group. Four are ovoids and one a trapezoid. None are retouched.

The fifth type group included 9 side scrapers (Fig. 3) . Side scrapers appear to have been pulled toward the user. While the angle for use of a cutting edge is roughly perpendicular, for the scrapers it is oblique and never greater than sixty degrees. All VILLA TA TIM A

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Fig. 3. Examples of flake tools and of side scrapers. of these are non-geometric, and none are marginally retouched. The sixth type group, the push planes, are intermediate in form and function between the scrapers and the gravers. Like gravers, their working edges are transverse; they were utilized by push- GOODWIN AND WALKER 7

Fig. 4. Three stone zemis, incised stone specimen, fragments of petaloid celts, and inner and outer views of Santa Elena style vessels. ing away from the user, rather than by pulling. The seventh type group, 11 gravers (10. 5%), was utilized in a chisel-like manner for engraving and decorating wood, shell, and bone. Two of these were sliced obliquely to form the 'nosed" graving edge. Type eight consists of 8 awls or borers (7. 7%). None of these flake tools were facially re­ touched, and the overall workmanship is clearly crude. Forty-six cores were excavated, all of which were of chert. All but 5 are non- geometric. Four of these are trapezoids, one discoidal. Two of the trapezoids are 8 VILLA TAINA

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Fig. 5. Incised Ostionoid sherds, bat-head lugs, punctated applique, gashed rim lugs, incised vestigial handles (Santa Elena style) , and incised lips (Ostionoid style) . tortoise shell shaped; however, since faceted butts are absent in the flakes, they are not true tortoise cores. Six cores appear to have been utilized otherwise. One is a crude pick, one is polished as if it was used for grinding, one is a combination cutter-scraper, and the others are more problematical. GOODWIN AND WALKER 9

Ceremonial Artifacts

Three three-pointed stones (zemis) of Fewkes' Fourth Type were found (Fig. 4) • The two coral stones have palpable lateral grooves. The single andesite zemi is plain. This would seem to place the site in a late Ostionoid phase (Rouse's Period I lib) before the advent of the full fledged "cult of the zemis" of the Period IV-Chicoid Series. In addition, six fragments of petaloid stone celts were found. Two are large enough so that the characteristic form is evident (Fig. 4) .

Ceramics

Ceramic materials constitute the largest single group of artifacts. All potsherds (4,022) were collected. A division was made into crudeware and redware (90% and 10% respectively) . After the red slip, incision ranked second and modelling third of the dec­ orative traits. Of the crudeware sherds, many were smoke stained ( 55%) , or had firing clouds (45%) . Rim type counts of crude ware indicated open bowls to be the most com­ mon form, with nearly-closed mouth forms second. In rim types among redware, open bowls, including the navicular vessels, were most frequent (Fig. 2). Some navicular vessel sherds have horizontal incising on the inside of the rim, a characteristic of the late Ostionoid Series. A fragment of a clay stamp was also recovered.

Cassava griddle fragments lend evidence to the belief that the inhabitants of Villa Taina were agriculturalists. Constricted mouth pots suggest that they maintained the traditional "pepper pots" on their cooking fires. Open bowls may have been used for serv­ ing, storage, and food preparation, as well as cooking.

Numerous diagnostic traits confirm the presence of the Ostiones ceramic style. These include red slip, wormlike applique (Fig. 5, m) , navicular vessels with modelled head lugs (Fig. 2) . rectangular and solid ovoid lugs, bat heads, anthropomorphic heads (Fig. 5) , and pelican heads. The pottery from this site is moderately well made, though not as fine as that from the Ostiones type site. Further Ostiones traits include an average thickness of 0. 6 cm, medium brown color in fractures, hemispherical vessels, annular bases absent, widespread keels and shoulders, thicked rims, flat lips (Type A) , everted rims (Type B) , round bowls with restricted mouths, etc. The relative incidence of these traits and the thickness of the sherds suggest the decline of Ostiones style at Villa Taina. The incised Ostiones sherds (Fig. 5, ¿_b) suggest that the Villa Taina site dates from the late or climax Ostiones phase, or Rouse' s Period Illb.

There are also a number of diagnostic Capa traits, including generally cruder sherds, average thickness 0.7 cm, sand temper, brown to red color, keel and shoulders as typical elements, hemispherical structures, extensive incising, shoulders only rarely surmounted by necks, bowls with broad apertures, and tapering rims. This sample prob­ ably represents early Capa, since the incisions and modeled forms are relatively simple (Fig. 6).

Santa Elena traits are obvious in a few sherds, particularly in the vestigial handles with vertical incising (Fig. 3, g-j, 4,_t -v) . In these sherds there is an absence of annular bases, a low incidence of keels and shoulders, and they are generally cruder in manufacture. Because of their infrequency of occurrence, it is probable that they are trade sherds. This further substantiates the chronological estimate, placing the site between the Ostionoid and Chicoid Series. 10 VILLA TAINA

Fig. 6. Early Capá style incised bowls.

Conclusions Stratigraphie data suggest that the Villa Taina site was not populated over a pro­ tracted period. The single, uninterrupted shell layer indicates that there was only one span of habitation. The data suggest that this span of occupation was during the late Ostionoid and early Chicoid Series, or at the beginning of the Taina culture. This is re­ flected in the presence of a secondary burial, in shell celts and chisels, and in the three- pointed stones of Fewkes' Fourth Type. Ceramics from Villa Taina are divisible into the Ostionoid and Chicoid Series, with a representation of trade sherds of the Santa Elena style. However, all of these occurred together in the same shallow midden stratum, and therefore must be assumed to be contemporaneous. Santa Elena and Ostiones existed simultaneously late in Rouse' s Period Illb. The incidence of design points to a just be­ ginning Chicoid influence from across the Mona Passage, early in Rouse' s Period IV. The Villa Taina site demonstrates a transition between the Ostionoid and Chicoid Series. This would place the site in time between 850 AD and 1100 AD. A more exact chronology will have to await the radiocarbon analysis.