The Peoples of the Caribbean

A true first this encyclopedia is the only comprehensive guide ever published on the archaeology and traditional culture of the Caribbean The Peoples of the Caribbean archaeologist Nicholas J. Saunders assembles for the first time a comprehensive sourcebook on the archaeology folklore and mythology of the entire region charting a story 7000 years in the making. Drawing on decades of study in the Caribbean and South America Saunders explores landmark archaeological sites such as Caguana in Puerto Rico with its ceremonial architecture and ballcourts and plantation sites such as Jamaica''s Drax Hall.The author dives into the underwater archaeology of Spanish treasure galleons and untangles stories of cannibalism zombies and hallucinogenic snuffing rituals. He examines the impact of key Europeans such as Christopher Columbus and introduces readers to the native people such as the Arawak who welcomed them. Bringing the story up-to-date Saunders chronicles the struggle of the indigenous people from the Caribs of Dominica to the Tano of the Dominican Republic trying to reclaim and revitalize their historical cultural identity.