The Maho Caves: Hidden Artifacts Beneath Burgeaux Bay

Hidden Artifacts at Maho Caves

The Maho Caves, located beneath Burgeaux Bay near Maho Beach, represent one of the most intriguing archaeological discoveries on St. Martin. During construction work in the area, a cave system was uncovered, revealing a treasure trove of pre-Columbian artifacts, including petroglyphs, small anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, and large quantities of fresh drinking water.

This discovery, reported by various sources including eyewitnesses like Roland Richardson in the 1980s, has sparked considerable interest in the island’s prehistoric past. Unfortunately, much of the site was destroyed shortly after its discovery due to construction activities, including the use of explosives and concrete.

Despite this, some of the artifacts were preserved and are believed to be held in private collections, potentially even in the United States. The petroglyphs found in these caves are particularly significant as they represent the first such discovery in the Dutch Windward Islands. The carvings, which include human and animal figures, provide valuable insights into the ritualistic and symbolic practices of the island’s pre-Columbian inhabitants. The Maho Caves thus highlight the need for careful preservation of archaeological sites in the face of modern development.

References: Richardson, R. (1986). The Petroglyphs of St. Martin: An Inventory and Analysis. Douglass, W.B. (1986). Stone Sculpture of the Caribbean.