Rio Nuevo Taino Site

Inherent Features

Situated along the Rio Nuevo Valley Basin and into the hills as far south as Bellevue, some ten miles away, is a complex of Taino sites. The largest Taino site in this area, the Rio Nuevo Taino Site, is named after the river that it overlooks. It covers an area of some 21, 000 square metres. B. Jo Stokes, who has done extensive research in the area, states that the main road cuts directly through the site, separating it into two ownership parcels. The south portion of the site is owned by the Ocean Ridge Housing Development and was destroyed by heavy machinery over a decade ago when a coconut field was planted. The portion of the site on the north side of the road is owned by George Rose and is relatively intact with the exception of a road, constructed during the 1970s, which cuts through a main portion of the site.

Archaeological Significance

Findings from B. J. Stokes’ exploration were based on investigations from the portion of the site on the north side of the main road. According to Stokes, the ceramics found at the site were for the most part typical of late prehistoric occupations of the island. They consist of pottery in the shape of plates, bowls and griddles. The griddles are indicative of the use of one of the Taino’s main staple foods, the cassava. Food remains recovered indicate that a wide variety of fish species, mussels and small land animals were harvested to supplement the diet of vegetable foods. Stokes added that a large number of net sinkers have been recovered, indicating harvesting of marine resources.

The Rio Nuevo Taino site is comparable to other large sites such as White Marl in St. Catherine, Chancery Hall in St. Andrew and Wentworth in St. Mary.