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The Wonders of Limestone Caves Episode CCXCV - 295
Our weekly episodes, brought to you by Etnia Nativa,
serve as a platform to recognize, appreciate, and The entrance to these caves could
promote Aruba’s cultural heritage, emphasizing the be easily defended from intruders.
importance of reconnecting with the island’s unique This made caves a strategic choice
roots and its ancestral spirit. for early human societies, as they pro-
vided a natural fortification. Also, they
During this episode, we will share the rich archaeolog- often have natural water sources, such
ical evidence and the peculiarities of the limestone as nearby streams or springs, which are
caves, while in previous episodes; we explained the essential for drinking and food prepa-
limestone terraces of the island. ration, while these caves might con-
tain mineral deposits that could be
In prehistoric times, many limestone caves became useful for tool-making or other cultural
important sites for different cultures, serving as shel- survival needs.
ters, ritual centers, and even as places where history bon dioxide, seeps into the limestone
was portrayed through rock art. Caves in Aruba, such In short, limestone caves provided and gradually dissolves it. This process
as Canashito and Fontein, demonstrate how these practical, safe, and resource-rich en- creates underground voids that can
locations also became canvases for early human ex- vironments for prehistoric people and eventually become large caves. The
pression. Limestone caves often have a long lifespan, our island has many caves that were mineral-rich water inside the cave
remaining habitable for thousands of years, which used for shelter, rock art expression forms unique formations known as sta-
encouraged prolonged use as shelters. The continu- and a spiritual portal in to the under- lactites (which hang from the ceiling)
ity of these sites allowed early humans to adapt and world. and stalagmites (which rise from the
develop survival strategies. Structurally, these are unique geologi- floor). These formations develop slow-
cal formations that develop through ly, often requiring thousands of years to
The hard, durable nature of limestone provided strong chemical weathering, primarily due reach large sizes.
and stable cave walls that protected inhabitants to the action of water on limestone
from the elements, such as harsh weather, rain, and rock. They are characterized by their Limestone caves harbor unique eco-
wind. Caves could also shield people from predators impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and systems, with species of bats, insects,
and other dangers. They typically maintain a relative- flowstones, formed by the deposition and microorganisms that have adapt-
ly stable temperature throughout the year. They act of minerals such as calcium carbon- ed to their dark and often quite humid
as natural coolers in the summer and warm shelters in ate over thousands or even millions of environment. Within the caves, the size
the winter, offering a more comfortable environment years. often varies, with small, narrow passag-
compared to open-air living. Many of these caves es and even enormous chambers. The
are located in accessible areas like hillsides, cliffs, or The uniqueness of these remarkable shape and structure are influenced by
river valleys, making them easy to find and reach. The areas lies in their formation and dis- factors such as water flow and the na-
entrances were often large enough to accommo- tinctive characteristics: water, often ture of the limestone itself.
date groups of people and their needs. slightly acidic due to dissolved car-
These caves are not only natural won-
ders but also important for scientific re-
search on geology, ecology, and hy-
drology and have provided practical,
safe, and resource-rich environments
for the prehistoric inhabitants of our
planet. q
If you really enjoyed reading our sto-
ries and are interested in interacting
and learning more about our island’s
true identity, there is no better choice
than Etnia Nativa—the only ‘living mu-
seum of its kind in the Caribbean.’ It’s
a fascinating opportunity, a trendset-
ter since 1994, and a co-founder of
Islands National Park, the Archaeo-
logical Museum Aruba, and numerous
Artisan Foundations, among others. Et-
nia Nativa shares valuable knowledge
and connects you with the ancient
spirit and soul of the island. We recom-
mend booking a visit via WhatsApp
+297 592 2702, as visits are private and
by appointment only. You can also
reach us at etnianativa03@gmail.com
