Long Island
Long Island is situated about 2 kilometres north east of Antigua. It is a low limestone island a few metres above sea level. The island is literally comprised of marine chert/flint nodules of very high quality.
This resource was vital to the pre-Columbian peoples of Antigua from as early as 3,100 BC. It has been found as far north as the Virgin Islands, and Martinique in the south. Long island flint nodules/cobbles generally have a white cortex or surface patina, and ranges from light brown to gray black internally. It is commonly found in abundance at all pre-Columbian sites on Antigua.
While the native peoples of the Lesser Antilles did not make or utilise stone projectile points, backed knives and spoke-shave type tools have been found. Their primary lithic technology was the reduction of cores for the production of usable flakes and chips.
Preliminary archaeological research and surveys have been conducted on Long Island by students and faculty of the University of Leiden, Holland.
Today the island is being developed as an exclusive hotel and also for housing catering to the very wealthy. This activity marks the destruction of one of the most important archaeological sites in the Caribbean. Interestingly, the land owners are sensitive towards criticism about their destruction of the heritage site, yet, no efforts are being made or considered in regards to preservation or research of any of the archaeological sites, prior to their destruction.
Ceramic Age/Pre Columbian Sites: Cades Bay | Doigs | Elliot's | Green Castle Hill | Indian Creek | Long Island | Mill Reef | Royall's