Isolated Finds on French Side

The French side of St. Martin, particularly areas around Grand Case, has yielded a number of isolated pre-Columbian archaeological finds that contribute to our understanding of the island’s ancient history.

These discoveries include petroglyphs, pottery fragments, and tools, which were uncovered during various exploratory efforts in the 1980s. One significant find in this region was the petroglyphs discovered near Hope Estate, just 800 meters east of Grand Case airport. These carvings, consisting of anthropomorphic figures and geometric patterns, were investigated by archaeologist A.H. Versteeg in 1986 and 1987.

The petroglyphs provide crucial evidence of the symbolic and possibly religious practices of the island’s early inhabitants. In addition to the petroglyphs, various other isolated artifacts have been reported from sites like Anse Marcel and French Cul-de-Sac. These finds, though scattered, offer valuable insights into the broader cultural and social networks that existed on the island during the pre-Columbian period. The ongoing discovery of such artifacts underscores the rich archaeological potential of the French side of St. Martin.

References: Versteeg, A.H. (1987). Petroglyph Discoveries in Grand Case and Hope Estate. Catinau, R. (1987). Archaeological Finds on the French Side of St. Martin.