History
The Caiquetio Legacy by Susan Campbell It was more than 4,000 years ago that the Caiquetio (pronounced kai-ke-tee-o) Indians, part of the Arawak tribe, came to Aruba from Venezuela to escape from the cannibalistic Carib tribe.
After arriving on Aruba, the Caiquetio spread out and settled in five areas that still echo the names of their most famous chiefs and warriors: Turibana, Guadirikiri, Camacuri, Andicuri, and Bushiri. They were farmers of corn and manioc up until the Spanish captured them in 1515. Over the years, archaeologists have been hard at work attempting to put the pieces of the Caiquetio lifestyle into perspective. Fortunately, the Caiquetio left behind a lot of their legacy such, as the intriguing cave drawings that scholars have yet to interpret, and artifacts dating back 1,000 years that have been unearthed all over the island. If you’ve never seen a skalchi (a 700year-old ceremonial bowl) or come face to face with a Malmok (the remains of one of the island’s first male inhabitants), then a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Aruba is a must. Fascinating artifacts like tools, pottery, and jewelry from bone and shell are on display. There is also a reconstruction of a maloca, a traditional Indian house, as well as remarkable polychrome rock paintings that are unique in the world. 쮿 The Archaeological Museum of Aruba recently relocated to superb new facilities at Schelpstraat 42 in downtown Oranjestad. For information on opening hours and tours call 582-8979. 42 Nights
Top and middle photos by Paul van Driel. Bottom photo by Zina Seletskaya