Portland State University PDXScholar

Black Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations Black Studies

5-1993 Nanny Town Excavations: Rewriting Jamaica's History?

E. Kofi Agorsah Portland State University, [email protected]

Follow this and additional works at: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/black_studies_fac

Part of the African Studies Commons Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y

Citation Details Agorsah, E.K. (1993). Nanny Town excavations: Rewriting Jamaica's history? Jamaican Geographer: Newsletter of the Jamaican Geographical Society, 8.

This Article is brought to you for free and open access. It has been accepted for inclusion in Black Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations by an authorized administrator of PDXScholar. Please contact us if we can make this document more accessible: [email protected]. No.8 May 1993 Jamaican Geographer Newsletter of the Jamaican Geographical Society ISSN 1017-4753

Nanny Town excavations: Rewriting Jamaica's history? E.Kofi Agorsah Since January 1991, the site ofNanny Town the nature of the site as mapped during the The Stony and Peters Rivers and their has seen a series of reconnaissance and sur­ excavations in 1991 and 1992. The rectan­ tributaries dominate the drainage pattern of veys and two seasons of major excavations. gular stone structure believed to be a military the site while the Abraham Hill to the south sponsored mainl y by the University of the fortification built during the British-Maroon and Sugar Loaf to the northwest and north of West Indies, the Wenner-Gren Foundation for wars still remains the main feature at the site. the site dominate the topography of the site Anthropological Research, USA, the Jamaica A large block of stone is located nearby with and surrounding areas. Rocky and rugged, the Natural Heritage Trust, Jamaica Defence engraved amessage that the site was taken and Nanny Town site and adjoining areas are en­ Force. Arcbaelogical Society of Jamaica, and controlled for a brief period by a Captain gulfed in a thick. lush green vegetation. In the Chief and Council of Moore Town Brook. It appears to have been tampered with addition , the site commands warming SUD­ Maroons. Participants included graduate and by more recent visitors to the site. Another shine coming through the gap between undergraduate volunteers from various feature is a more recent stone slab, measuring Abraham Hill and the Sugar Loaf Hills. Universities in Canada, USA, and the Carib­ 27cm by 35cm with the engraving 'Bermuda The excavation was based on a three­ bean, Maroons from Moore Town, Windsor Regiment 1971' . metre grid which was imposed upon the 10 and Cooper's Hill, Portland, as well as staff feet grid used by the expedition'of 1973 (see and members of the University of the West WHAT'S IN A PLACE NAME? page 7). The J4 line which was the 13 of Ihe Indies. 1973 expedition was used as the datum line. Objectives Northwest comer of each square was used to The Portland Maroons resisted many at­ name the square. The excavation was con­ The main objectives of the study of maroon tacks before their stronghold of Nanny ducted according to natural levels, reaching communitie s are: to obtain archaelogical data Town was finally captured by the British only Level 2 in more than 80% of the area that can be used for the interpretation of the in 1734. TheBritish occupiedthe town until excavated. and Level 3 in a few areas, par­ socio-cultural patterns of the behaviour of the the signing of the Peace Treaty in 1739. ticularly in the eastern sections of the site Maroons; to determine the factors that con­ After the Treaty, it appears that the where much of the material that appears to tribute to the location and character of Maroon Windward Maroons abandoned Nanny predate the maroon period of settlement was settlements; and to obtain material for dating Town and established a new community at derived. and providing a chronological framework: for a place they called New Nanny Town. the orig ins and development of maroon known today as Moore Town. Finds heritage in Jamaica. The overall objective is The Windward Maroons were led by afor­ Provisional field inventory of finds indicates to iden tify the character and mechanism of the midable guerilla leader called Quao, who that approximately three thousand artifacts functional adaptation of Maroon societies in was the Maroon signatory on the Peace were recovered. More than 33% of this total Jamaica over time. Treaty with the English. But it is a testa­ consisted of fragments of green glass bottle, Excavation ment to Nanny's stature as a leader that followed by 10% and 15% of local ceramics both Nanny Town and New Nanny Town and metal objects respectively. An interesting The site of Nanny Town is strategically lo­ were named after her, and not after the feature of the finds is their variety . Analysis cated within the loop of the Stony River which warrior Quao. and drawing of the finds has already started marks it" southern and eastern boundaries (see The Rt Excellent Nanny, National Heroine and should be available soon . Figure 1, page 6). Blocking off the Stony of Jamaica. was African-born. ofAsante River and standing steeply against its northern Cultural Phases origin - modern Ghana, in west Africa. bank is the Abraham Hill. To the north and During her life, she was the military tac­ Nanny Town is recognised as having seen west of the site is Nanny Hill from which Ihe tician and spiritual leader ofthe Windward three cultural phases of occupation, the first Nanny Falls splashes down on to the level Maroons. and was reputedly a great which appears to pre-date Maroon presence in open grounds from which the spring flows magician with supernatural abilities. the area, with its mixture of local ceramics, onto the south-eastern bend of the Stony River Nanny was buried in new Nanny Town. stone artifacts as well as shell material. marking the boundary on that side of the site. Figure 1 indicates areas excavated so far and Continued on page 6

1-Jamaican Geographer (8), May 1993 Wait-a-bit

BARBECUE IDLLSIDE AGRICULTURE The chemicals used are biodegradable over a FIELD TRIP seven day period. Urea is the best fertilizer. Another fund-raising barbecue was held on The second stop was at Troja, the Mango the lawns oftheSeniorCommon Room, UWI, Althea Johnson writes: The first field trip variety trial on Mr Edward Buchanan's farm. on December 5th 1992, and realised a much­ for 1993 was a visit to a number of the sub­ To reach this farm the group had to negotiate needed surplus of approximately $2,00 0 projects of the Hillside Agriculture Project a barbed wire fence and a downhill walk. The through ticket and bar sales. The attendance (RA.P.) on January 23rd. A group of25 sixth farm consists of a variety of fruit/food trees . was around 100, down on last year's 25th formers from four corporate area high schools ThemostimportanLeconomic trees were man­ Anniversary barbecue, but more tickets were and lOJGS members departedfrom the Geog­ goes (especially the Nelson, Hayden and Tom sold. raphy Department, UWI, at 8.30am, and Atkins varieties), and these were intereropped Doreen Prendergast and Winston Me­ joined the Hillside Agriculture Project with banana, citrus and cedar trees. Cullum acted as Masters of Ceremony, and (RA.P.) team at the Fanners' Training Centre Such mixed cropping practices are typical supervised the allocation and distribution of at Twickenham Park, Spanish Town, shortly of rural small farmers in Jamaica, to ensure the many spot prizes, donated by generous afterwards. The day' s activities were led by steady incomes, and to spread their risks. The sponsors. Prizes included three weekends-for­ Marlene Lewis (JGS member and UWI geog­ two at the Boscobel Beach Hotel, Sans Saud raphy graduate), and a team offourcolleagues Hotel and Spa, and Astra Country Inn. The from the Ministry of Agriculture. INTERCROPPING music, which was provided by Mr Gonzalez, The field trip entailed visits to four farms of the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, helped to located in north eastern St Catherine. The Mixed intercropping wash down the splendid fare of barbecued locations were either experimental farms or chicken, rice and peas, and salad. Growingtwo or morecropssimultaneously rehabilitation projects. The objective of the in thesamefield. Intercropcompetition may AU the members ofCouncil were involved H.A.P. is to preserve the watershed by ensur­ be duringall or part ofcrop growth in organising the barbecue, and other mem ­ ing that farmers utilize agronomic soil bers volunteered their help 100. However, the conservation techniques and proper farming Row intercropping Society is particularly indebted to a number of (cultural) practices. Growingtwo or morecropssimultaneously individuals for their unrelenting efforts; Larry The first halt was an unscheduled stop where one or more crops are planted in Neufville, this year as last year, co-ordinated where the group observed the Natural Bridge, rows the event; Balfour Spence and Angela Taylor ' the eighth wonder of the world'. This out­ Strip intercropping again spent many hours over the hot fire , standing landform is located along the Growingtwo or morecropssimultaneously cooking their deliciously-seasoned chicken; Riversdale main road . It is a natural bridge of in different strips. wide enough EO permu Janet Hyde, Claudia James and Donna and hard limestone rock across a narrow gorge Day-Dawn Simon prepared additional food independent cultivation, butnarrowenough formed by the Rio Doro. Other features of the for the crops to interactagronomically and fruit punch; Perez Cross organised the gorge were created from fluvial action and drinks bar; and David Miller was on duty at chemical weathering. Relay inlercropping , the entrance throughout the event. Sharon Thefirst scheduled stop was at Harewood, Growingtwo or morecrops simultaneously Lennon helped co-ordinate the holiday spon­ during part of the life cycle of each. A sors. the Pineapple management trial, on Mr Winston Morrison' s farm. The project second crop is planted after the first crop The Society has organised three barbecues specialises in the Cheese and Sugar Loaf has reached its reproductive stage of in recent years: the first was in June 1991 varieties of pineapple. The Cowboy and Rip­ growth, but before it is harvested. following that year's AGM, and a second in pley varieties ofSugar Loafare common. The varieties of mango grown here give a much November 1991, to markour25th anniversary project is designed for small farmers with less betterreturn than the Turpentinemango which (an event which raised $4,200 for the than 5 acres. There are twelve groups in the is common in the area On Mr Buchanan's 0.8 Society's coffers). All three barbecues have project area The groups are selected by a acres of land, 81 mango trees were planted in been extremely convivial affairs, enjoyed in a Farmers Action Commi ttee, using the criteria October 1991. The farm is divided into three relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. They have of land tenure, age , location of the farmer's treatment plots and three replica plots. As the provided opportunities for members to renew plot (must be suitable in terms of project trees grow , the farmer has to ensure that the old friendships, especially for ex-OWl geog­ design), and a farmer's willingness to par­ trees are laterally branched and maintain a raphy graduates, If you have any suggestions ticipate. Under the project the fanner can specific height and stem girth.This will deter­ for improving what is fast-becoming an im­ rehaibilitate old plots or establish experimen­ mine the quality of the fruit to be harvested. portant social occasion on the JGS calendar, tal plots. The pineapples are planted in rows Although these varieties are susceptible to please contact the Council; and your help is and ridges to keep the soil together, and the pests and diseases, preventative measures are always appreciated. rows are intercropped with coconut or short rarely used due to costs, and to reduce the term crops which are planted on the ridges . inflow of pesticides into the soil. 2 «Jamaican Geographer (8), May 1993 Wait-a-bit

The third stop wasat Pear Tree Grove, a DISRUPTION TO JGS EVENTS coastal process of wave refraction was well cocoa rehabilitation project on Mr Ferdinand pronounced. A combination of prolonged inclement Miller's farm . Before the H.A.P. project was The coastal sediments from this point tarted, the cocoa on Mr Miller's farm was weather. especially in the first four months of1993. and the general election campaign eastwards towards Manchioneal are quite dif­ planted in a haphazard way; on a one acre plot, ferent from those at the pre-lunch stops, The a quarter of an acre of cocoa trees yielded caused postponement, cancellation, and disruption to many oftile planned JGS ac­ beach material is biogenic because the sand abouttwo andahalfboxesofcocoa.Jamaica's tivitiesfor the year1992/93. Twofield trips, grains are composed of calcium carbonate, national yield is about 5-6 boxes. Under the derived from broken shells and other marine H.A.P. rehabilitation project, 230 trees were tile Hillside AgricultureProject and a coas­ tal geomorphology tour St Mary and invertebrate remains. planted in a 10 feet x 10 feet pattern; this one Portlandwere re-arranged, throwing other acre of cocoa will yield about 40-60 boxes. The group stopped at Fairy Hill Bay and dates on tile calendar awry. Amongst the Long Bay but visibility was very poor. Along The Cocoa Rehabilitation project aims to postponement casualties were a "ike to the this route the coastline is emergent and off­ encourage the farmers to increase their Treasure Beach-Black River area of shore fringing reefs are common. Uplift has acreage of cocoa, to plant higher yielding southern St Elizabeth (May 22nd). and a resulted in the development of a raised reef varieties which are disease-resistant, to use field trip to Serge Island. In addition, there terrace marking a former sea level. At Nettle fertilizers to increase crop yield, to appl y min­ wds a ram-affected evening talk by Profes­ Point, Manchioneal, the weather was fairer imum dosage of pesticides to prevent soil sor Meyer-Rochow on the Onabuasulu and the group enjoyed a short hike to the contamination, to adopt pruning techniques, Cannibals ofPapua New Guinea. highest point on this pronounced reef terrace. and to aim for two harvests per year (follow­ Thefeaturehas a pitted surface, the productof ing the rainy seasons). The cocoa is sold to the COASTAL solutional action. Hydraulic action and blow Richmond Fermentry. holes were in evidence. GEOMORPHOLOGY FIELD The fourth stop was at the Redwood Cof­ The 10-hour trip was long and tiring; the fee experiment, the farm of Mr Vincent TRIP group returned to Kingston via St Thomas. Logan. On Mr Logan's 3 to 4 acres ofgently sloping land, lowland coffee is intereropped Althea Johnson writes: On 27th March, VERANDAH TALK with coconut and plantain. The coffee is 1993, a group of fearless geographers, com­ planted using either prising A-Level students from five high On Thursday, March 25th, Dr Brian Hudson schools, their teachers, and JOS members, (1) the Coffee Industry DevelopmentCom­ gave an illustrated lecture 'Verandah talk: bravedheavy rains andembarked upon a field pan y (crocO) standard; one seedling prospects and refuges from the Antilles to !he trip around the eastern section of the island. per hole with SIbs of bioganic fertilizer Antipode'. Drawing on cognitive concepts The aim was to observe coastal features, and and 40z inorganic 8:21 :32. or about sheller and landscape, the audience of the trip is becoming almostan annual eventon about20 JOS members enjoyed a presentation (2) the HAP. standard of 8lbs of bioganic the JOS calendar, for sixth formers in par­ ranging from slides of Aboriginal caves, fertilizer to 40z inorganic 8:21:32 per ticular. Greek stoa, and Inca ruins, to a variety of seedling per hole, or two seedlings per It began drizzling along the Stony Hill verandahs, balconies, porches and collonades hole with Sibs ofbioganic and40zinor­ main road, and by the time we reached the from around the Caribbean, Britain and ganic. mouth of the Wag Water river near Annotto Australia As always, Dr Hudson's talk was Since coffee requires 70% -75% ofshade, Bay , the rain had become more intense, and entertaining, thoughtful, and interesting, and the fanner has to ensure that shade trees are the group had to stay in the bus to view the his colour slides were of outstanding quality established before the coffee seedlings are coastal features. both in terms of subject matter and planted. Plantain, fast growing plants, are As we continued towards Buff Bay, Hope photographic technique. planted at a distance of 10 feet x 10 feet from Bay and StMargaret's Bay, and the BuffBay Most older JOS members will remember the coffee, whilstcoconuts which provideper­ River, White River, Spanish River, and Swift Brian Hudson as a past President and activist manent shade are planted 20 feet x 20 feet . River, respectively, we noted that each river for the Society, and a respected former geog­ Coffee plants must be pruned; short inter­ hadsuspendedsediments ofa brown colourat raphy lecturer in physical planning at UWI. nodes and numerous laterals increase the their mouths, and the material was carried out He is presently lecturing at the Queensland yield. Fertilizing is altered with the rainy to sea in a brown band which flowed parallel University of Technology in Brisbane. His season and weeding is done in a circle around to the coastline. frequent return visits to the Caribbean have the root of the plants. The rain ceased for the lunch stop in Port enabled the Society to institutionalise his Antonio. After lunch the group went to Folly guestre-appearances. Point and saw arches, stacks, inlets, and bays, and the offshore island, Woods Island. The

Jamaican Geographer (8), May 1993 - 3 Campus Geography

RESEARCH ON COCKPIT BEWARE OF EARTH SCIENCES COUNTRY BORDERS Afew years ago, after an IDB review ofthe Professional geographers and Society Faculty of Natural Sciences, a 10 year members can take some comfort from a David Barker and David Millerwererecently development plan was prepared. A sugges­letter from the Vice Chancellor assuring awarded a research gran t from the uwrs tion was made that the departments of that 1W decision has been taken on the Research and Publications Committee to con­ geography and geology be merged, be­merger of the two departments, although a tinue their research on forest encroachment co come a Department ofEarth Sciences. No proposal for a joint School is under con­ and fanning systems on the edge of Cockpit academic grounds were advanced to sup­sideration. Country. Previously, they presented a pilot study of the Windsor area, at the British­ port this, and both departments objected It is a matter of amusement and concern Geography Seminar in August, 1992. strongly to it. that members of the general public andthe A principal objective of the project is to Geography and Geology staff are totally media frequently confuse geography and investigate andmap, in detail, the dynamics of opposed 10 a merger. However, as a geology; they begin with the same prefix. It the patterns and processes of encroachment counter proposal, staff suggested that the reflects intellectual indolence, however, and abandonment on the borders of Cockpit Departments retain their identities, but when; as often happens OIl campus, col­ Country, using aerial photography at selected withdraw from the Faculty of Natural leagues and other students confuse the two dates, and field mapping. A second com­ Sciences toform a separate School ofEarth subjects and their separate teaching and ponent will examine why some farmers Sciences and Resource Management. research contributions. choose to cultivate land in the cockpit forests, Strangely. this idea has curried favour Geography was introduced as a university amongst some members ofthe Faculty. and whilst others prefer to farm outside the forests. subject at UW1 ill 1965 as a result ofLob­ Farmers' decision-making behaviour, their a S hool of Biological Sciences has also bying from members of the geographical perceptions of alternative farming micro-en­ been proposed. The ramification' of such fraternity ill Jamaica . Clearly, further vironments, resource use and cropping drastic structural reorganisation, should it public education is needed to highlight the systems are to be investigated. go ahead, are unclear, but conceivably distin ctiveness of geography. So . In January, the first phase of the project could be terminalfor the Faculty ofNatural Jamaican Geographer will feature items Sciences in its present as, clearly, was undertaken; a detailed survey of a form on the nature ofgeography infuture issues. hundred farmers in the vicinity ofTroy, on the Faculties and Schools cannot co-exist undera single administrative structure and Geographers are entitled to question why southern border ofCOCkpit Country. Paulette Dean. a basic and established academic dis­ Meikle, Cli nton Beckford and Christopher cipline is so undervalued in the Caribbean Charles formed the intervie w team, and many Both Departments need support and.their region, when UWT geography graduates of their interviews were conducted in remote physical plant, technical resources and clearly make significant contributions to farming areas deep in the cockpit forests. technical staff strengthened, but in their public service throughout the Wesl Indies. The results of the research project should own right, not as a chimera department. In the region's schools, geography's turf prove useful to the planners in Jamaica's new For example, there are several areas where has been infiltrated by the American-in­ national parks agency, especially in the dif­ Geography needs strengthening; it does spired, social studies, even though in UK ficult geographical task of establishing a not have an established Chair, and a cru­schools geography has been declared a meaningful boundary for the national park. cial lectureship in physical planning which core subject. was frozen for 5 years still remains un­ filled; it does not have any research labs­Meanwhile. geographers are encouraged a Geomorphology Lab, a Remote Sensing to be vigilant. vocal and active in support­ MA FOR KAREN SINCLAIR Lab and a Computer Mapping Lab are all ing the integrity of their subject. and. in normal features of modem universitity recognition of their own professional qualifications; a degree in Geography. Karen, a 1985 geography graduate, recently geography departments. obtained an MA in Public Administration at Editor Carlton University, Ottawa. She went to Canada on the Institutional Strengthening CLAUDETTE HALL and her dissertation was enti tled 'Loss of wet­ Programme, (Canadi an-Jamaican Training lands in the urbanised areaofMadison County Project) sponsored by CIDA. The focus on Claudette. a 1983 geography graduate, 1979-1989, and an assessment of the policies Development Administration included cour­ recently obtained a Masters degree in Urban designed for wetland protection' . ses on Policy Analysis and Environmental and Regional Planning (M.U.R.P.) from Claudette taught in The Bahamas before Policy. Karen returns to the Planning Institute Alabama A & M University at Huntsville. The pursuing her graduate work. of Jamaica. course focussed on environmental planning,

4 - Jamaican Geographer (8), May 1993 Classroom Geography

GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS At the Annual General Meeting of the ASSOCIATION Association, held at Caenwood Auditorium ARAWAKQIDZ on November 6th. 1992, Mrs Vassell presented an assessment of the fieldwork. She 1. In which West Indian country are there The Geography Teachers Association of still Arawak Amerindians living today? Jamaica is an organisation whose objectives pointed out some common errors made by are to keep geography alive in the classroom, teachersand encouraged them not to allow the 2. What was the Arawak name for Jamaica? to look at problems related to the teaching of students to make similar mistakes. 3. What was the name, meaning 'magic geography, and to make suggestions and Some of the teachers who were unable to power', that Arawaks gave to their gods? attend the Moneague workshop requested a recommendations on aspects of the syllabus 4. What is the technical term used for follow-up one-day seminar to assist them in as it relates to the teaching of geography. The Arawak rock drawings? aim is to get more students involved in geog­ preparing their students for the field study. raphy with proper motivation from their Consequently, the Association organised 5. What was the name used by the Spanish teachers. another seminar at Caenwood Auditorium on to refer to an Arawak chief or nobleman? Most of the Association's work in the March 12th, 1993. At this seminar, teachers 6. What was the name of the digging sticks academic year 1992-93 was centred around mel in groups where they formulated a series used by the Arawaks to make holes in the the School Based Assessment component of of topicsand possible aims and objectives. ground to plant seeds? There was also a general meeting of the theCXC syllabus.This is in the form of a field 7. Which was the principal tree that the Association in January , 1993 which discussed study undertaken by students at the general Arawaks used to construct their dug-out proficiency level. the following topics: canoes, some of which were 100 feet long? The field study, though not a new com­ 1.Grade 1-9 syllabus 8. Where is the Arawak museum in Jamaica ponent of the CXC geography syllabus, was Teachers weredividedinto groups to lookat located? optional up 10·1993. The field study (termed the present grades 7-9 curriculum and to make the S.B.A.) will be compulsory for all CXC suggestions and recommendations for a draft 9. What was the name given to the ball game geography students at the general proficiency curriculum, to bepresented at a later date. which was played by the Arawaks? level from 1994, and has to be submitted by 2. Problems and solutions in the A-level 10. What was the name given to the small March. Only a few schools had experience of geography syllabus. barkless dog, (now, sadly, extinct), that the the S.B.A. prior to this; the majority had not Arawaks used to hunt coneys? undertaken field studies previously. In order This was effectively dealt with by Mrs to prepare both teachers and students for the Fong Kong, senior geography teacher at Im­ field study, a series of workshops and semi­ maculate Conception High School. nars were organised by the Association. 3. Logo for the Association. The first major event was a residential 4. Summary of 1992geography CXC results. workshop held at Moneague Teachers' Col­ GEOGRAPHY CLUBS lege in St Ann, from March 4th-7th, 1992. This was dealt with by Mrs Lorna Fraser, Geography teachers from over 50 schools Senior Marker for S.B.A. Once again a dismal If your school has a geography club or across the island participated in the workshop performance by Jamaican students was noted, geography society, write to the Editor and tell particularly in the area of analysis. which was spearheaded by Mrs Marjorie Vas­ us about its main activities during the school sell, Education Officerin charge of geography 5. An A-Level workshop year. You could also tell us how it is or­ in the Ministry of Education, and Mrs Lorna There was a proposal for an A-level geog­ ganised, and who its officers are. Perhaps you Fraser, then geography teacher at Holy raphy teachers' workshop, to examine types would like to contact a similar organisation in Childhood High School. of questions and answers. another school, to organise joint events or pen During the workshop, teachers were taken The Association's Executive, along with pals ? through all aspects of tho field study, from the guidance of Mrs Vassell and Mrs Fraser, has If your school does not yet have a geog­ preliminaries through the actual field study managedtomotivateteacherstocontinue to work raphy club, maybe you need help and advice and then the writing up of the field study bard to improve the focus on geographyand to in setting up a new club? The JGS can assist, report. The exercise was designed to be stressto studentsthe importanceof thesubject and put you in touch with schools that have similar to that expected of students' work for The Association is still very active in active Geography Clubs. the CXC field study. The course field reports trying to foster a better geographical relation­ were marked, and each school which had a ship between students and the environment participating teacher at the workshop was sent a complete set of the field reports. Yvonne Lee, Secretary

Jamaican Geographer (8), May 1993 - 5 Hill and Gully Notes

M N 0 P GE7TING THERE

Sam Bandara , a member of each of the recent expeditions, has experienced both methods oftravelling to the site of Nanny Town. He explains that in 1991 the JDFflew the research team to the site in a helicopter. A landing site had been previously cleared and bushed by Maroons. In 1992. the team had to travel to tbe site on foot , starting from from Windsor in the Rio Grande val­ ley. Thejourney, with large backpacks and using mules f or only pan of the journey, rook three days, and involved two nights in g S10NE STBUCTlJRE makeshift huts with plastic sheeting for [ffiJ G£\() ...... A ~ roofing. EXCAVATED AREAS EJ FPOOT PATH Conditions en route and at the site are Bl CAMP extremely tough and. in the absence of ~ STONE WITH INSCRJPnON radio-contact, fraught with danger. Afoot ~ RNER injury to a team member on one occasion. SI CUI'f fortunately. was not serious enough to CSJ D£POlE8!lIOf< cause problems. but underscored the need ~ CONrol-01 for care in negotiating the precipitous and rugged terrain .

In some areas, this phas e is presented by artifacts that have been provisonally referred to a Pre-maroon. Some of the participants in the excavation think the makers ofthe artifacts of this phase might be Arawak. No date can be assigned to this phase yet although it is highly suspected to date between 1500 and Figure I: Site ofNanny Town. 2000 years ago. years ago is provisionally assigned to the them appears to represent the location ofa flag The second phase at the Nanny Town site, Maroon phase. post, possibly erected by the British forces. provisionally referred to as the Maroon phase In addition to the finds mentioned above, This hole, approximately 1.5 metres deep of occupation, contains ceramics much of the Maroon phase, like that ofthe phase.which from the surface, was lined with stones and which are local grinding stones and a consid­ followed it. contained kaolin smoking pipe located against the back wall of the stone erable amount of charcoal which, if dated, stems and bowls, pharmaceutical tools such as structure. should hopefully facilitate our understanding scissors, buttons, a coin (Dutch or Spanish Some observations ,of its relationship to other phases. Much of the origin), a glass bead, fragments of imported charcoal comes from levels that contain plenty ceramics and fragments of a gun barrel. Although no dates are available yet for the phases mentioned, the results appear to be of ashy layers on surfaces that appear to have The third phase is represented by the stone very interesting because they raise many is­ been trampled upon or beaten. One fragment fortification as well as engraved stones. The sues that suggest the need to begin to rethink of red clay pipe bowl, fragments of gun flint, main finds of this phase include many frag­ interpretation of the history of Jamaica That gun barrel, musket balls, iron nails, green and ments of smoking pipes, buttons , fragments of Nann y Town was a stronghold which has seen clear glass bottJes are finds from the Maroon gun barrels, buttons, pharmaceutical bottles, considerable military action is dearly con­ phase. Artifacts from the Maroon phase arc nails , imported ceramic bowls, plates and fumed by the evidence. A striking discovery difficult to distinguish from a later phase rep­ cups, buckles, and a large quantity of green is that the evidence seems to suggest that resenting the period ofMaroonencounter with glass bottIe fragments. A few post holes arc Nann y Town has been occupied for a fairly British forces at the site . A date of 400-500 associated with this phase at the site. One of long period of time. and that its occupation

6 - Jamaican Geographer (8), May 1993 Hill and Gully Notes

could date to periods before colonial contact This possiblity becomes even more attractive if the speculation that the artifacts suggested to be prehistoric or Arawak is confirmed, In BLUEMOUNTAINS EXPEDITION TO NANNY TOWN, 1973-74 this case,onecould further suggest that Nanny Town may have been a stronghold or a hiding Though probably known to Maroon hog hunters. the actual site of Nanny Town place of escapees during the Spanish period, was brought to the attention ofthe scientific community by Alan Teulon, in 1967. and who may have been some of the tradition­ He found a carved stone built by the English soldiers who occupied the town al groups that the Spanish encountered on between 1734 and 1739. their arrival. It also appears that some of the Between December 1973 and January 1974, the ScientificExploration Society with traditional groups who may have been on the the co-operation of the Institute of Jamaica mounted an expedition to the site of island and who were already settled at Nanny Nanny Town, led by Lt.Harley Nott. Site Director ofthe Expedition, Tony Bonner, Town before the Spanish came in, may have described the site as 'little disturbed since abandoned about 235 years years ago eventually welcomed and accommodated es­ and there was a scattering of artifacts on the surface of the ground, mainly early capees from both Spanish and En glish 18th century British green bottle fragments. There may have been an occasional periods. If we assume that the prehistoric visit from a hog hunter; while some blank cartridge cases show evidence of a visit groups were Arawaks, it would suggest that by military personnel in recent years' . the very first escapees were also Arawaks. Would that mean that the first Maroons were The expedition team undertook archaelogical work at the site and recovered many Arawaks? Possibly. artifacts such as musket barrels, musket balls, hammers and flints for muskets, clay Another issue that folIow s from the above pipes, buttons, early green glass bottle necks and bases, iron axe heads and red discussion is that association between earthenware. The collection and the photographs taken on the expedition are housed material of the first two phases points to the in the Institute of Jamaica suggestion that a few ofthe Arawaks who may have escaped into the inaccessible parts of the Blue Mountains and similar places were still Sources andfurther reading around at the time the English sacked the Tony Bonner (1974) 'Blue Mountains Expedition Exploratory Excavations at Spanish from the island. Books on the history Nanny Town by the Scientific Exploration Society', Jamaica Journal. 8, pp46-50. of Jamaica will have to correct the erroneous impression that the Arawaks had all been ex­ Beverley Cary (1970) 'The Windward Maroons after the Peace Treaty', Jamaica terminated by the Spanish. It appears from the Journal, December, ppI9-22. evidence from Nanny Town (pending results Carey Robinson (1969) The FightingMaroons ofJamaica, W. Collins & Sangster of dates), that prehistoric Arawak groups in (Jamaica) Ltd., l6Op. hideouts in inaccessible areas ofJamaica may have been gradually absorbed into the struc­ ture of escaped slave groups which later With much more data on the physical nature version of the generalisations being made. It joined them. of the settlement as well as those of other cannot be assumed that much has been Material associated with the stone struc­ maroon sites, it should be possible to attempt achieved at this time, All the material (finds, ture at the site of Nanny Town clearly supports serious generalisations on the character and slides, photo prints etc) of this excavation are the view that the structure was not built by the mechanism ofthe functional adaptation of the housed in the Archaelogical Laboratory of the Maroons (as is usually claimed in Maroon oral maroons over time. University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, traditions). The feature may have been used There is a very strong chance that the final where analysis is being conducted. The next later after the Maroons took over the site but results will require that some issues of the and last major excavation season at Nanny only after the British had left Nann y Town. history of Jamaica be revised. The results of Town is scheduled for August 6th to Septem­ Not much can be said about other issues the 1991 excavation appear to have re-opened ber 2nd this year. such as the relationship between Nanny Town the opportunity towards the understanding and other known Maroon settlements in the and better appreciation of the heritage of the Kofi is a member ofthe Department ofHis­ vicinity of the site as well as those in other maroons within th e general history of tory at Mona. and he hasfirmly established parts of the island during the period of its Jamaica. the study of Archaelogy at UWI. He is also occupation, and the social network that may The University of the West Indies research a JGS Member. have have bound them in any relationships. It programme continues with further excava­ is also premature to speculate about the struc­ tions and it is hoped that more evidence will tural pattern of the settlement because not be obtained which will provide an expanded much of the site has not yet been excavated.

Jamaican Geographer (8). May 1993 - 7 Look Behind

NEWS OF MEMBERS PAST PRESIDENTS CARffiBEAN GEOGRAPHY 1~3 VOL~ffi4 NUMBERl Michael Tharkur hasjoined the Caribbean 1966/67 Dr Barry Floyd Development Bank in Barbados, teaming up 1967/68 Mr George Donaldson Roy Ryder with Cher yl Dixon, who is currently the Head of the Environmental Desk at the same Institu­ 1968/69 Dr Vernon Mulchansingb Point Score analysis of agricultural tion. Michael. like Cheryl. was working for 1969/70 Ms Dawn Marshall decision-making in the Dominican Republic the Planning Institute of Jamaica at the time 1970/71 Mr Lawson Nurse of recruitment, and was al 0 a member of the Russell J. Maharaj JGS Council. 1971/72 Dr Brian Hudson Vegetation and slope stability from Upper 1972/73 Mr Calford SCOll Lorna F raser, one of Jamaica' s mos t ex­ St Andrew, Jamaica 1973/74 Miss Faye Lumsden perienced geography teachers, is leaving Holy Carolyn V. Prorok Childhood High School to take up a position 1974/75 Mrs Eleanor Jones East Indian Muslims and their mosques in at the Ministry of Education. 1975176 Mrs Eleanor Jones Trinidad: a geography of religious true­ Mrs Thelora Reynolds, formerly a geog­ 1976/77 Mrs Cecile DePass tures and the politics ofethnic identity raphy teacher at Munro College in St 1977/78 Dr Vincent George Elizabeth Thomas-Hope Elizabeth, has joined the staffof the Univer­ 1978/79 Mr Ronald Bryce Population mobiJity and land assets in hill sity of the Wes t Indies, a" warden of Mary farming areas in Jamaica Seacole Hall of Residence. 1979/80 Miss Joy Douglas Plus 1980/81 Miss Joy Douglas Agatha Addy, formerly geography teacher Geography in the Caribbean Cia " room at Jamaica College, has joined the staff of the 198 1/82 Mrs Eleanor Jones Special Offer:All back issues are available Natural Resources Conservation Authority. 1982/83 Mrs Eleanor Jones at special low prices. 1983/84 Mrs Eleanor Jones OVERSEAS MEMBERS If your personal collection of Caribbean 1984/85 Dr Brian Hudson Geography (10 issues) is incomplete con­ The Council is en couraging members to 1985/86 Dr L.Alan Eyre tact the Geography Department, UWI. recruit friends from overseas to join the 1986/87 Dr L.Alan Eyre Society. Former geography graduates of UWI ITEMS FOR NEWSLETTER 1987/88 Dr L.Alan Eyre are particularly welcome, and may wish to use the opportunity to stay in touch with Jamaica 1988/89 Miss Joy Douglas Send your news, views. idea" and informa­ and the Geog raphy Department at UWI. An­ 1989/90 Miss Claudia James Lion to the Editor for publication. Try your nual oversea" membership is USS5. hand at writing a short article on your ac­ 1990/91 Miss Claudia James tivities as a professional geographer. The ARAWAK ANSWERS 1991/92 Miss Claudia James Newsletter needs your contributions. 1992/93 Mr Learie Miller I . Guyana 2. Xaymaca Jamaican Geographer 3. Zemi 4. Petroglyphs ISSN 1017-4753 S. Caciques Editor: David Barker

6. Coas Addres : Department of Geography, The University of the West Indies, 7. Silk Cotton Tree Mona Campus. King ton 7, Jamaica, Phone 927-2129

8. White Marl. just outside Spanish Typesetting: PMLM Ltd. Town; it is the site of a former Arawak village Printing: University Printers, The Un iversity of the We t Indies, 9. Batos Mona Campus. Kingston 7. Jamaica 10. Alcos

8 - Jamaican Geographer (8), May 1993