Ortoire (archaeological site) facts for kids
Ortoire is a very important archaeological site in Trinidad. It's known as the main discovery spot for the Ortoiroid people, who were ancient groups that moved to the Antilles islands around 2000 BCE.
This site is basically a large pile of ancient shells, called a shell midden, found in southeast Trinidad. It gives us clues about how people lived thousands of years ago.
Contents
What Was Found at Ortoire?
The Ortoire site is actually made up of five smaller areas. These are located along a narrow strip of land between the ocean and a mangrove swamp. In 1953, a scientist named Irving Rouse dug up these areas.
Ancient Tools and Remains
During the digging, Rouse found many interesting items. These included stone tools like manos and flattened pestles. These tools were made from stones found in the Caribbean islands. He also discovered a grinding stone, sharp bone points, and the remains of fish and other animals.
Other finds included small pieces of quartz and chert stone. There were also pebbles of red ochre, which is a natural pigment often used for art or ceremonies. Scientists have figured out that the site dates back to around 800 BCE.
The Ortoiroid People
The ancient people known as the Ortoiroid are named after this very site in Ortoire. These people were migrants, meaning they traveled from one place to another. They likely came from what is now modern Venezuela.
Traveling by Canoe
The Ortoiroid people probably reached islands like Antigua Island by canoe. This journey might have happened as early as 5,000 BCE. They were among the first groups to settle in many parts of the Caribbean.
Ortoire's Importance
The Ortoire site is from the late Archaic Period. This was a very old time in history for the Americas. It is one of the most well-known archaeological sites on the island of Trinidad.
Location and Contents
The site is on the east coast of Trinidad. It is near where the Ortoire River meets the sea. The shell midden is mostly made up of bivalves, which are shellfish like clams. Examples include donax clams and Tivela trigonella.
Scientists also found clear signs that people were cooking at the site. There were ancient fireplaces made of clay, with ash and charcoal inside. They also found burned shells, bones, and stones that had been cracked by heat. This shows us how these ancient people prepared their food.
Protecting the Site
The exact locations of many archaeological sites are often kept secret to protect them. However, the Ortoire site might be part of a larger area called "The Ortoire River and Ortoire Beach Front." This area has been officially recognized as a historic place by the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago. You can find this important area around these coordinates: 10°20′11″N 60°59′30″W / 10.33631°N 60.99153°W.
