Artifacts Found at Philipsburg

Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, is not only a bustling modern town but also a site of significant pre-Columbian archaeological importance. Excavations at Great Bay, which lies at the heart of Philipsburg, have uncovered a range of artifacts that shed light on the early inhabitants of the area. These discoveries were part of the broader reconnaissance conducted between 1979 and 1981 by M.P. Sypkens Smit. The test-pit dug in Philipsburg revealed large quantities of unworked shell material, along with pottery sherds, shell scrapers, and coral artifacts.

These findings indicate that Great Bay was once a thriving settlement where pre-Columbian people engaged in activities such as fishing and shellfish processing. The thick, grey pottery and the presence of household tools suggest that the site was a central hub for daily living and resource management. Great Bay’s strategic location, offering easy access to both the sea and the Salt Pond, made it an ideal site for the island’s early inhabitants. The artifacts uncovered here not only highlight the resourcefulness of these communities but also their deep connection to the surrounding environment.

References: Sypkens Smit, M.P. (1982). An Archaeological Reconnaissance of St. Martin. Versteeg, A.H. (1987). Great Bay Excavations: Insights into St. Martin’s Pre-Columbian Past.