Page 12 - AHATA
P. 12
Wednesday 4 June 2025 locAl
A10
Manatee Bones in Aruba’s Prehistoric Culture Episode CCCVI -306
Etnia Nativa’s narrative emphasizes the importance of
reclaiming and recognizing Aruba’s cultural roots—
often overshadowed by its colonial past. The platform
promotes the rediscovery of native traditions, history,
and identity.
In this episode, we discuss the use of marine mam-
mal bones and their significance in prehistoric times.
These animals were not only a source of food; their
bones also served as valuable material for making
tools, ornaments, weapons, and other objects. To-
day, we focus on one particular sea mammal: the
manatee (Trichechus manatus), a large, herbivorous
marine animal that was a vital resource for many pre-
historic coastal communities.”
The manatee’s feeding behavior resembles that of a
cow—it grazes on seagrass, which primarily grows in
shallow coastal waters. Its closest living relative is the
elephant, and due to its grazing habits and marine
environment, the manatee is commonly known as
the ‘sea cow.’ Manatee bone tools have been found Aruba’s prehistoric inhabitants also
primarily in Florida and the broader used manatee bones to make tools.
There are three main species of manatees: the Antille- southeastern United States. Most of One such artifact in our possession is a
an or Caribbean manatee, the Amazonian manatee, these tools date to the Archaic and small tool crafted from manatee bone,
and the African manatee. The Caribbean manatee Woodland periods (approximately believed to be a sacred object used
once ranged along the Atlantic coastline from Vir- 8000 BCE to 1000 CE), though their use in ritual ceremonies—specifically to in-
ginia in North America to Brazil, with its primary habi- may have begun even earlier. duce vomiting during the mind-alter-
tat centered on the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of ing yopo ceremony.
Mexico. Interestingly, manatees do not tolerate warm Manatee bones—particularly their
water well and often migrate northward during the dense ribs and long bones—were Yopo is a hallucinogenic substance
summer in search of cooler water temperatures. fashioned into tools such as axes and still used by shamans in parts of South
adzes (for chopping or woodworking), America. It is prepared from the seeds
Prehistoric tools made from manatee bones are rela- pestles or hammers (used for grinding of plants that contain DMT, a power-
tively rare but highly significant—especially in regions or pounding), and scrapers or digging ful psychoactive compound. Inhaling
where manatees were naturally present and could implements. Occasionally, ceremonial even a small amount can induce a
have interacted with early human populations. These or symbolic items made from manatee trance-like state known as hecura, a
tools offer valuable insights into the subsistence strat- bone suggest cultural or ritual signifi- visionary experience that can last for
egies, cultural practices, and resource use of prehis- cance. several hours. q
toric peoples.
Manatee bone is exceptionally dense,
making it well-suited for heavy-duty If you enjoyed reading our ancestral
tools. This density results from an aquat- stories and are interested in learning
ic adaptation: manatee bones lack more about the true identity of the
marrow cavities, which helps them Aruban people, we invite you to visit
stay submerged. Etnia Nativa—the only living museum
of its kind in the Caribbean. A fasci-
Manatee bone tools are often found nating destination and cultural trend-
alongside shell middens and other ma- setter since 1994, Etnia Nativa has
rine-based subsistence remains. Their contributed to the founding of Arikok
presence at archaeological sites also National Park, the Archaeological Mu-
reflects prehistoric hunting practices— seum of Aruba, and various artisan
manatees were hunted not only for foundations, among other voluntary
their meat but also for their hide and initiatives.
bones. Etnia Nativa offers a unique experi-
ence that connects visitors with the
Today, manatees are protected under spirit and soul of the island’s ancient
laws such as the U.S. Marine Mammal heritage.
Protection Act. As a result, any use of WhatsApp 297 592 2702
manatee bones is strictly prohibited or etnianativa03@gmail.com
without special permits.
