Arawak Heritage, Simpson Bay Lagoon

Simpson Bay Lagoon, one of the largest inland water bodies on St. Martin, played a crucial role in the lives of the island’s pre-Columbian inhabitants. Archaeological evidence from the area indicates that the lagoon was a focal point for Arawak communities who settled in its vicinity. The lagoon’s rich marine environment provided ample resources, including fish, shellfish, and other marine life, which were essential for the subsistence of these early communities.

The lagoon’s surrounding areas, particularly the Low Lands, yielded significant archaeological finds, including shell tools, pottery, and coral artifacts, which point to the lagoon’s importance in the daily and ritualistic lives of its inhabitants. The proximity to both the ocean and the lagoon made this area ideal for the Arawak people, who relied heavily on marine resources and cassava cultivation.

The Simpsonbay Lagoon area remains a critical site for understanding the broader landscape of pre-Columbian St. Martin, as it provides insights into how the island’s early inhabitants interacted with their environment to sustain their communities.

References: Sypkens Smit, M.P., Versteeg, A.H. (1982). Preliminary Report on the Archaeology of St. Martin. Baart, J. (1987). The Archaeological Significance of Simpsonbay Lagoon.