The oldest part of Aruba's cultural heritage is exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Aruba. The permanent collection gives the visitor a taste of early periods in the history and pre-history of the island. Ceramic artifacts, shell and stone tools and ornaments are on display for all those who would like to know about Aruba's first cultures. Aruba was first visited by humans approximately 4500 years ago.
Stone tools from this period have been found at Sero Muskita and Arikok. These people, who started inhabiting the island 2500 years ago, most probably came from the mainland in canoes. They didn't live permanently in one place, but rather moved from one place to another in family groups of 10 to 15 members. They hunted on small animals, fished, and collected shellfish and fruits for food. We named the period in which these people inhabited the island the Pre-ceramic Period (2500 B.C.- 1000 A.D.). The reason for this is because no pottery was produced by this group.
The oldest stone artefact on display at the Archaeological museum was found at "Sero Muskita" and is believed to be from the Pre-ceramic inhabitants of the island. Based on the technique of manufacturing and the weathered surface it's thought to be approximately 4000 years old.
The Pre-ceramic Indians buried their dead in family groups under large pieces of limestone. One such family group was found in a cave at Canashito, while many family groups (in total ca. 70 dead) were excavated at Malmok. Their well-organized burial tradition is probably a reflection of their small-scale, well-organized society.
During archeological investigations in 1989, 40 individuals from the Pre-ceramic period were uncovered. These individuals were all buried in a specific pattern forming "family clusters". The graves were marked with different stones according to the status of the individual.
A research project of the Archaeological Museum Aruba was carried out in June/July 1989 at Malmok near the NW-coast. The first Indians who lived on Aruba had an important burial site there (ca 2000 BC). Forty skeletons were excavated : 18 females, 17 males and 5 children. The skeleton in this showcase is a man 1.54 m tall (average 1.58) who died at an age of 20-25 y. On the average, men reached 36-37, women ca 40 years.
All graves are covered by 1-5 large lime stones, as in the showcase. Most of the dead grasp the head with one hand, knees are sharply bent, Red dye is found at the back side of the skull. Ca 10% of the dead were buried below large sea-turtle carapaces. Dental health of the malmok population is excellent.
Approximately 1000 years ago a different group of people established themselves on the island. These people are named Dabajurans after the "type site" Dabajuro on the mainland (West Venezuela, Falcon State). They named themselves Caquetios, which name is used most of the time. They came from Northwestern Venezuela. The period in which they inhabited the island (1000 to 1515 A.D.) we call the Ceramic Period.
Note: The museum is temporarily closed until further notice due to maintenance.
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