Cave Drawings Suggest Early Harmonious Contact Between Islanders And Europeans

Archeologists exploring a remote Caribbean island near Puerto Rico discovered never-before-seen cave drawings -- ones that are said to reveal a previously untold relationship between the indigenous people and European explorers.

In a series of photos published this week in the journal Antiquity, limestone walls of caves on the Isla Mona (Mona Island), are seen covered with inscriptions ranging from indigenous stick figures to Christian symbols.

The researchers estimate that many of the markings are from hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago. Researchers also pointed out that the newer markings believed to have been inscribed in the 16th century and appeared to have been placed in a way that wouldn't ruin what was already there.

A Christian cross is seen placed directly across from an indigenous artist's human figure. They also discovered something written on the wall that says "dios te perdone," which translates to "God forgive you," and "Plura fecit deus," which translates to "God made many things."

Ultimately, the researchers believe that the Europeans' Christian messages honor the islanders and indicate that they accept them as their equals. They also believe that when the Europeans arrive at the island, they were welcomed by the native people who helped them find food and led them to the cave, which later became a religious place in part because of its source of fresh water.

The researchers estimate the island has around 200 caves, many of which have never been explored in the modern age.


Today, Isla Mona remains inaccessible to most people, as visitors require a permit and it takes three to four hours to reach it by boat.

Source: The Huffington Post

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