One of the most striking examples of artifact preservation in the
submerged deposit at La Aleta is the number of gourds present. These
gourds (higueros) are the fruit of a large tree, Crescentia cujete.
They have been fashioned into canteens, bowls, and simple containers.
A striking higuero fragment (MLA #8) was recovered from a depth of 126
ft. in test unit A. It is an incised specimen with a polished exterior.
The spiral design is intricately formed and exactly executed. It may be
the first example of its kind found in an archaeological context in the
Caribbean. (Elpidio Ortega 1996,pers.comm.)
Carbon-14 test data place the gourd fragments around AD 1020 to 1180.
This is a view of some gourds taken underwater in the La Atleta.
This is an underwater shot of a long gourd.
Last updated: 2 February 1998
URL:
http://www.indiana.edu/~r424park/dr/describe/club.html
Comments: Underwater Science Program
Copyright 1997, The
Trustees of Indiana University