Preachers Cave
North Eleuthera, Bahamas
Best-known to Bahamian historians as the first stop of the shipwrecked Eleutheran Adventurers in 1648, the earliest-known European travellers to make their home on Bahamian shores post-Columbus' visit to the country in 1492.
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The North Eleuthera Historical Society
Spring 2006 Archaeological Excavation
Mandible and jaw of an indigenous Lucayan Indian located at Preachers Cave, North Eleuthera, Bahamas, recently carbon-dated to approximately 800 A.D. The Lucayans largely subsisted on a healthy diet of fish and fruit, which explains the excellent condition of the teeth.
Members of the North Eleuthera Historical Society assist archaeological exploration of Preachers Cave, North Eleuthera, Bahamas. Opening day dedication was offered by Rev. Charles Sweeting of the Methodist Church.
Archaeologists at work.
Remains of two Lucayan Indians (arm and leg bones visible), while under the white bag is a rib cage. Most archaeologists believe that the Lucayan tribe migrated further south in the Bahamas prior to 1500.
This painting was found on an exposed wall just outside Preachers Cave, and is an early painting of a Lucayan Indian, the indigenous people of the Bahamas, who were decimated by the Spanish in the early 16th century. The Lucayans were known to have decorated their eyes with black kohl circles. In this painting, the artist has taken advantage of existing natural holes in the wall, which resembles a face.The painting was recently infrared photographed and dated to be more than 1,000 years old. Archaeologists involved in the March exploration caution that the painting will completely fade away within 100 years if not further protected from exposure to the elements.
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The North Eleuthera Historical Society
North Eleuthera, Bahamas
Our History.
Our Future.
Our Home.
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Your financial support of our ongoing effort to preserve Bahamian history in its original location is much appreciated.
The North Eleuthera Historical Society is a subsidiary of the Briland Modem Fund, a registered not-for-profit U.S. 501(c)(3) community development foundation benefitting Harbour Island and North Eleuthera, Bahamas.
All donations to the NEHS are 100% tax-deductible.
For more information, e-mail info@briland.com.
Preachers Cave
North Eleuthera, Bahamas
Jock Morgan, Chairman
Raymond Harrison and Marcus Collins, Vice Chairmen
Richard Malcolm, Treasurer
Raymond Harrison (Bluff, Eleuthera), Treasurer
Jane Day and Lillis Imlach, Secretary
Rev. Charles Sweeting, Chaplain
Bishop Dudley Kelly, Assistant Chaplain
Theo Neilly, Trustee
Public and private sector fundraising will soon be underway in order to maintain the cave, repair access roads leading to the cave, and support the salary and accommodations of a professional curator.
a site design
by dunmore
nelson group
