A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals insights into the burial practices of Puerto Rico’s earliest residents, suggesting the use of common burial grounds over centuries. Conducted by William J. Pestle from the University of Miami, the research addresses the limited archaeological evidence available from the pre-Ceramic Age, a period dating back thousands of years. Only 20 individuals from this era have been documented, but Pestle’s study identifies five adult burials at the Ortiz site in Cabo Rojo, dating between 1800 BC and 800 BC. This site contains the oldest directly dated human remains from Puerto Rico, indicating extensive and consistent mortuary practices that echo those of other early communities. Furthermore, Strontium isotope analysis reveals that the buried individuals originated from various nearby regions, suggesting that the Ortiz site held cultural significance for multiple local groups. Despite the challenges in drawing broad conclusions from limited evidence, this research illuminates a more complex cultural landscape of ancient Puerto Rico than previously understood. The findings contribute to a reinterpretation of the island’s deep past and highlight its importance in the broader Caribbean context. The study received support from the National Institute of Archaeology and the Anthropological Research Council.
