Archaeological Discoveries at Red Bay, St. Martin

Archaeological Discoveries at Baie Rouge

Baie Rouge, located in the Low Lands of St. Martin, is one of the most significant pre-Columbian archaeological sites on the island. Discovered during a reconnaissance conducted between 1979 and 1981 by M.P. Sypkens Smit and A.H. Versteeg, this site revealed a wealth of artifacts dating to the late pre-Columbian period, just before the beginning of European colonization in the 15th century.

Excavations at Baie Rouge uncovered a variety of artifacts, including large pottery fragments, stone tools such as axes and scrapers, and a coral zemi (a three-pointed idol used in Taíno religious practices).

The site is characterized by a shallow midden, indicating a small, short-term settlement. The central area of Baie Rouge contained larger and more complete pottery vessels and ceremonial items, suggesting this part of the site had special significance, possibly related to ritual activities. The vertical stratigraphy of the site shows an occupation layer between two sand layers, preserving the settlement’s remains relatively intact.

References: Sypkens Smit, M.P., Versteeg, A.H. (1982). Preliminary Report on the Archaeology of St. Martin. Bullen, R., & Bullen, A. (1966). Artifact Variation and Inter-site Relationships.