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The Untold Story of Aruba’s Indigenous Landscape Episode CCCXIII -313
This platform, written by Etnia Nativa, reconnects Aru- (166 meters 544,619 feet), wich stands mal boulders, and is intersected by a
ba with its true roots—celebrating native heritage, tra- in the center of this QD landscape. This broad gut.
ditions, and identity long overshadowed by colonial conical hill is primarily composed of Santa Cruz features a gently rolling
history. hooibergite, a unique rock found only landscape with abundant QD boul-
in this region. Other distinct geological ders and deeper guts.
Through storytelling and landscape, it reveals an an- features include the hills of the north Savaneta, positioned at the mouth
cient legacy carved in stone—a cultural journey be- coast, which are made of gabbro. of a gut, is a coastal site where man-
yond colonial influence and into the soul of the island Despite their differing physical appear- groves and small beaches alternate.
itself. ances and weathering characteris- Another important ceramic site is Parki-
As you tour our island, different landscapes will catch tics, the QD, hooibergite, and gabbro etenbos, which lies on QD debris. Two
your attention that embraces two main zones. It re- all originate from the same geologi- settlement areas are found here, lo-
lates to an ancient legacy shaped by a Stoney land- cal formation—known as the Aruban cated on the east and west banks of
scape which gives our Island its character. The Quartz- batholith. The variation in landscape the same gut that flows through Santa
diorite (QD) landscape of Aruba, particularly in areas features is largely due to differences in Cruz. The soil in Parkietenbos is similar
such as Santa Cruz, Tanki Flip, Noord, Alto Vista, and each rock type’s resistance to weath- to that of Tanki Flip, again pointing to
Savaneta, features a network of relatively deep dry ering. the importance of soil quality and wa-
riverbeds and guts, known locally as rooi. These were Only one Pre-ceramic archaeological ter access.
formed by water erosion over thousands of years, as site is located directly within the QD The quartz diorite landscape also
rainwater cut through the weathered material lying landscape. Others, such as Arashi and played a vital role in the cultural and
above the diorite bedrock. Many of these guts con- Barcadera, are situated near outcrops spiritual life of Aruba’s early inhabit-
tain large quantities of QD debris, which dominates or deposits of QD debris. For these early ants. Pictographs and petroglyphs are
the geology around Savaneta. inhabitants, proximity to the coast ap- commonly found carved or painted
pears to have been a more significant onto quartz diorite rocks. These rock art
This bedrock is largely impermeable, allowing for the factor than the rock type or soil itself, sites often make use of natural cavities
formation of shallow natural reservoirs within the over- reflecting the maritime focus of Prece- on the leeward sides of boulders—fea-
lying sediments. These favorable hydrological condi- ramic cultures. tures formed by the long-term effects
tions made the surrounding areas ideal for vegetation However, Ceramic period settle- of chemical weathering.
growth. ments—larger and more agriculturally These elements of the landscape re-
The black topsoil found along the banks of these dry based—are primarily found within the flect not only practical interaction with
rivers supports plant life and offers rich agricultural po- QD landscape. Sites such as Santa the environment but also a profound
tential. Our Amerindian ancestors recognized these Cruz, Tanki Flip, and Savaneta ben- symbolic and spiritual connection to
conditions and settled in these areas, drawn by the efited from the area’s fertile soils and the land.
reliable water sources and fertile soil. dependable water availability. Out of seventeen known rock art sites
One of Aruba’s most iconic landmarks is the Hooiberg Tanki Flip lies in a flat area with mini- on the island, twelve are located with-
in the QD landscape. This concentra-
tion highlights the area’s significance
not just for habitation, but also for
educational, ceremonial and artistic
expression.q
If you enjoyed our stories and want to
discover more about Aruba’s authen-
tic identity, don’t wait until the last
days of your stay—book a visit to Etnia
Nativa, the only “living museum” of its
kind in the Caribbean.
Immerse yourself in this trend-set-
ting cultural experience. Since 1994,
we’ve been dedicated to preserving
and sharing Aruba’s heritage—as co-
founders of Arikok National Park, the
Archaeological Museum of Aruba,
and board members of several artisan
and cultural foundations.
Etnia Nativa offers more than just histo-
ry; it shares deep-rooted values, time-
less knowledge, and a connection to
the spiritual soul of the island.
Whats App+297 592 2702
etnianativa03@gmail.com
