A Koriabo site

on the Lower
Maroni River

results of the
preventive
archaeological
excavation at
Crique Sparouine,
French Guiana

Martijn van den Bel

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I
n 2003, the Crique Sparouine site was located by members of Inrap when conducting a
pedestrian survey of the future Route National 3 connecting Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni with
Apatou (Mestre, 2004; Figure 1). The site is situated on a table-shaped hilltop overlooking
the Sparouine Creek. The flat surface amounts to approximately 7.500m and culminates
around 40m NGG (Figure 2). The site is covered with secondary forest corresponding to a
recently abandoned clearing for horticulture. Indigenous bamboo and pioneer plants have
taken over the old garden in which maripa palms were left untouched (BALE, 1989).
The site is located in the heart of the greenstone belt consisting of chloritic green tuffs, known
as the Paramaca Formation. This belt consists of several superimposed volcanic and sedimentary
layers which have been vaulted by tectonic movements (CHOUBERT, 1974, p. 27-34). The hilltop
has a ferralitic soil as is common for all hilltops in the Precambrian Shield of the Guianas. The
weathering of this rock has created a kaolin clay coating rich in iron oxides, aluminium and
pegmatite veins. At the highest parts, the clay coating has been washed away admitting the
unaltered bedrock or duricrust to submerge which is at the origin of the tabular-shaped hills.
Four stratigraphic levels or units (US) have been distinguished at the site (Figure 3). The first
level (US 1) concerns a humic layer of rootlets, iron nodules and some dispersed Amerindian
artefacts which have probably been exhumed by tree falls and animal burrows from the
underlying archaeological level. This second layer (US 2), situated between 10 and 30 cm in
depth, consists of a clayey sandy layer containing lateritic nodules (fining upwards). This
level contains the majority of the artefacts and represents the ancient dwelling level of the
Amerindian occupation. The dark colour of this layer is probably the result of the human
occupation and is interpreted as and anthropogenic layer 1. No micro-stratigraphy was
observed in this archaeological layer and it corresponds clearly to one archaeological layer.
Beneath this layer, on the slopes of the hilltop, a clayey orange-coloured layer was detected
representing the natural coating of the hilltop. This layer is gradually changing into the
unaltered solid mass of the Precambrian Shield which is outcropping at the highest part of
the hilltop. The majority of the archaeological features have been dug into this solid base.
The excavation pits measured 8 by 20 meters and were positioned North-West to South-East.
In each pit, archaeological material was collected by hand in 10 squares of 4x4 meters when
digging by means of a mechanical shovel. Thirteen pits have been excavated: 11 pits of 8x20
meters, one pit of 4x16m (pit 8) and one pit of 8x12m (pit 13) surfacing all 2002m at an
average depth of 40cm (630m).

1
In the neotropics this dark layer is better known as Amazonian Black Earth or terra preta and corresponds a priori
to the enrichment of the natural sediment with organic matter during human occupation of the site (LEHMAN et al.,
2005). The physicochemical elements characterizing this anthropisation are in particular responsible for the black
colour of this layer (KERN, 1994).

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Figure 1. Localization of the Crique Sparouine site in the Guianas.
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Figure 2.
Localization of the
excavation on an
aerial photo.

Figure 3.
Schematic
overview of the soil
profil (drawing by
the M. van den Bel).

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Radiocarbon dates

Four charcoal samples were obtained from anthropogenic features (Table 1). The results show
an occupation span roughly situated between 600 and 1050 BP and calibrated between the
end of the 10th and the second half of the 14th centuries AD. The low probabilities of samples
KIA 32394 and KIA 32395 are significant and may indicate that both pit features are subsequent
separated by approximately one century. The dating of posthole 380 (KIA 32396) shows a
high probability and is situated in the middle of the 13th century, exactly between the latter
samples. Pit 121 also has a high probability and corresponds to the end of the 10th century.
Although we have only four dates, they probably represent a continuous occupation span of
400 years for this site. However, one can distinguish two occupations within this time span: a
first phase around the 11th century and a second phase during the 13th and 14th centuries.

Table 1. Feature type sample BP cal. AD prob. 2s n lab.

Radiocarbon 197 posthole charcoal 58325 1303-1368 65,80% KIA 32394
dates from Crique
306 posthole charcoal 90526 1037-1143 67,70% KIA 32395
Sparouine
(calibration after 380 posthole charcoal 74725 1238-1295 93,50% KIA 32396
STUIVER et al., 1998). 121 pit with ceramics shard 104520 977-1023 95,40% KIA 33555

The excavation plan

We identified over 400 features (n=428). The anthropogenic features consist of 5 deposits within
the archaeological layer: 3 ceramic deposits and 2 grinding stones. Below the archaeological
layer 177 postholes and 28 pits have been documented. The deposits are considered to be objects
which have been abandoned / discarded after the last occupation of the site.

The pits

We found 11 pits without artefacts, 4 pits containing some potshards and 13 pits containing
ceramic deposits with one or more complete vessels. The pits have a round or oval shape and
their depth ranges between 6 and 70 cm. The interpretation of the pits remains difficult
without chemical analysis of the contents but the pits without ceramics or with some shards
are considered to be waste pits. The pits with one or multiple vessel deposits have been
divided into three types based on their dimensions (Figure 4):

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Figure 4.
Examples
of pit types
and postholes
(drawings by the
M. van den Bel).

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1. The first type is an oval shaped pit with maximum dimensions ranging from 60 to 90 cm
and a depth of approximately 20 cm. This type of pit contains one or two complete vessels
placed deliberately at the bottom or at the side of the pit although their position seems fairly
random. This type of pit has been interpreted as a funerary pit. Its shape evokes a primary
burial with the deceased placed in foetal position.
2. The second type consists of two small round pits dug into the solid duricrust. These pits are
situated close to each other and their diameters are 30 and 36 cm respectively while the
depths measure 28 and 14 cm. The vessels have been placed inside the pits which seem to fit
perfectly, as if the pit was especially dug for this particular vessel. Although we do not have
any information on the contents of these vessels, they can be interpreted as secondary burial
gifts or as offerings being part of a certain ceremony.
3. Lastly, the third type consists of two very large round pits with diameters over 2 meters having
a depth of approximately 70 cm. Both pits contain one big vessel which is placed on its base. One
of them contains two vessels and the other one half of a boat shaped vessel. These enormous
vessels must have been visible or marked at the time of the Amerindian occupation since their
orifices were already observed just below the upper humic layer (US 1). These pits are interpreted
as storage pits but could also have been used as primary inhumation graves or secondary burials2.
When considering Type 1 to be tombs, there would have been at least 9 burials which are
mainly concentrated in the northern sectors. The dimensions of these pits do indeed correspond
to inhumation graves as found for example in the Lesser Antilles at Saladoid and Troumassoid
sites (e.g. HOFMAN; HOOGLAND, 2004). Moreover, the proximity of certain (burial) pits is perhaps not
fortuitous: it is possible that the spatial distribution of the pits is related to Amerindian memory
of former burials.

The postholes

In total, 177 features were identified as postholes and 96 as probable postholes. The dimensions
of the postholes vary between 8 and 40 cm and their depths between 6 and 82 cm. The shape
is round or oval at excavation level and its filling is in general sandier and darker than the

2
The neotropics are extremely unfavourable for the conservation of skeletal remains. The Guiana Plateau has yielded
very few references on pre-Columbian burials. Only specific cases such as caves, recent Amerindian sites or soils
rich in shells have made it possible to recover human bones at archaeological sites such as Arist cave sites, the
colonial Amerindian sites of Balat and Malmanoury in French Guiana or Tingiholo in Suriname (PETITJEAN-ROGET,
1993; VAN DEN BEL, 2008; VAN DEN BEL et al., 2006; TACOMA et al., 1991).

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substratum. Some contain shards or stones used to corner and stabilise the position of the
posts. A lot of postholes were dug into the lateritic outcrop and the use of a (stone) tool seems
inevitable to dig a hole into the extremely hard substratum.
The postholes correspond to wooden constructions such as houses, shacks and other
constructions for specific purposes (spinning, drying of fish etc.). Large-scale excavated
Amerindian habitation sites have often yielded a cloud of postholes and multiple pits. Houses
often show signs of being rebuilt and refitted on the same spot during occupation, which
makes it is very difficult to reconstruct a house plan. In general, there exist no archaeological
references on house plans for the Guianas.

Spatial distribution of the features

It is clear that the patterning of the postholes and pits represents an Amerindian habitation
site (1,3 postholes for 10m). Although we were not able to recognize a house plan, we were
able to identify the location of an Amerindian construction (Figure 11). We used the following
parameters to identify its location:
1. Postholes deeper than 30 cm;
2. Holes with double posts;
3. The location of possible burial pits (Type 1);
4. The location of the waste areas.
In this scheme the postholes deeper than 30 cm are regarded as important or central posts.
Without knowing the plan, these posts are estimated to have been situated at the centre or
along the walls of a construction to which the roof was attached. We did not find any
information as to whether the houses were built on stilts (having a wooden floor built off
the ground) or if the Amerindians were actually living on the former forest floor. Both
dwelling types are common among contemporary groups in the Guianas.
The double posts can also be regarded as carrying or important posts. They have been
interpreted as construction posts enabling scaffolding or as post which were replaced. In this
way, double posts may indicate key positions within a house construction. The presence of
burial pits or interred storage vessels may indicate the location of a house plan since, interment
inside houses has been accounted for in the late 17th century:
Je vis en passant les fosses de trois hommes dcds frachement, qui taient dans le carbet
du jour, et la femme tait morte la nuit prcdente, je la vis encore dans son hamac, entoure
de pleureurs et de pleureuses, on lallait mettre en terre. Les Indiens font leur fosse en carr
et enterrent les corps ploys en double, comme ils se mettent naturellement quand ils se
sentent mourir. (JEAN DE LA MOUSSE, 2006, p. 115).

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The waste dumps or middens are normally located in the periphery of a habitation site
(behind the houses). The middens contain the bulk of the archaeological material and the
largest quantity of artefacts (primary dump A). Secondary waste areas (dumps B and C)
contain fewer artefacts and could be situated within the habitation area often being
superimposed on former house plans. Moreover, this hypothesis is confirmed by the fact
that the oldest date was obtained from a posthole beneath the secondary dump C. This
assumption is being reinforced by the presence of a few ceramic deposits in the
archaeological layer in the southern sector of the excavated area (pit 9), which must have
been abandoned during the latest occupation of the site.
The diachronic presence of dump B is evoked by the presence of the subjacent features.
The latter dump may represent a continuous waste zone which lasted throughout the
whole occupation. Following this assumption, there may have been 3 house plans within
the excavated area, represented by House Location (HL) 1, 2 and 3. The first two HLs are
seen as the first constructions when compared to the waste areas and the superposition
of the secondary dumps B and C. A third HL is situated between the former loci but the
youngest date is also found in this HL. It is thus also possible that HL 3 was actually the
first but maybe also the last (rebuilt) house of the site. It should be stressed that this
interpretation remains hypothetical on the basis of the collected data. Nevertheless, it is
notable that the distribution of the postholes over 40 cm in depth of HL 3 evokes a
rectangular house plan. Furthermore, in its vicinity small wooden constructions appear
to be optional3.

Lithic materials

In total, 112 lithic elements (32,511 grams) were exhumed consisting of 69 tools and 43
flakes of which 68 elements were taken from the anthropogenic layer and 43 from the
features (Table 2). The lithic objects show very little weathering but their small quantity
does not allow an extensive study.

3
It should be noted that large-scale archaeological excavations are rare in the Guianas or even Amazonia which make
it difficult to find data for comparison. In French Guiana, the first extensive preventive archaeological excavations
(over 1,000m) have been realised at Petit-Saut since 1993. Although these excavations did not yield any house
plans, they revealed for the first time the dual presence of postholes and pits at Amerindian habitation sites (VACHER
et al., 1998). In the adjoining countries of Suriname and Brazil (State of Amap), large-scale archaeological excavations
are completely lacking which is probably due to different methods and excavating techniques. Recently, members
of IEPA (University of Macap) started to conduct large-scale excavations in a mining permit near the Amapar
River (SALDANHA; CABRAL, 2008).

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tool hyalin saccaroid diorite greenstone schist granite amphibolite total

quartz quartz

flake 10 3 13

utilised flakes 14 3 1 1 19

anvil 1 2 3

axe 4 4

not determined 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 8

polishing stone 2 2

mortar 1 1

mortar/polishing 1 1 2

core 7 1 8

hammerstone 1 1 2

hammerstone / 3 3

pestle

mano / 1 1

rubbing stone

whetstone 2 2
Table 2. pseudo-axe 1 1
Overview of
lithic tools 35 18 6 2 2 6 1 69
material.

Quartz tools

In French Guiana, quartz was used as the main raw material for flaking in pre-Columbian
times. The lithic material found at Crique Sparouine is the result of direct and indirect (anvil)
percussion. Both actions (bipolar technique) will cause two simultaneous impacts yielding
flakes, fragments and cores, creating the majority of the quartz production (PROUS, 1990a;
1990b; 1991).

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Quartz is subdivided into two main categories: hyaline or transparent quartz with fine texture
and saccharin quartz with multiple crystals. The majority of the flakes and fragments are
made out of hyaline quartz. Quartz veins are present in depth at the site but it was probably
easier to recover raw quartz material from the riverbed located to the North-East of the site
where the quartz veins are submerging.
In total, 13 quartz fragments and 19 quartz flakes were counted. All elements are the
result of percussion and do not show any particular traces. The length of the flakes varies
between 18 and 54 mm and their width between 12 and 44 mm while their length is often
larger than their width. Flake thickness varies between 3 and 20 mm. The small quantity of
quartz material is probably related to the coarse way of collecting due to the preventive
aspect of the excavation.
Eight quartz cores were found of which seven were made of hyaline quartz and one of saccharin
quartz. They have an irregular morphology but some show quadrangular and pyramidal-like
shapes. Their dimensions vary between 34 and 65 mm. The irregular morphology is probably
due to an opportunist apprehension during percussion, yielding a production of short and not
very thick flakes which is confirmed by the dimensions of the flakes.
Three anvils and five hammer stones were found of which three specimens were used as
pestles. All are made of quartz but this exclusiveness remains difficult to clarify. Their dimensions
vary between 41 and 91 mm. Some anvils and hammerstones are viewed as re-used cores.

Metamorphic tools

Another technique is the polishing technique: an object (often already preformed by

percussion) is polished on an anvil with some water and fine sand (e.g. in rapids or on a
portable anvil). Its products are axes, manos, grinding stones etc. At Crique Sparouine, the
axes are made of diorite and the grinding stones or polishing tools of granite. Very few
unaltered blocks were found at the site. The re-use of discarded polished objects is common
at this site as is the case for all Amerindian sites in the Guianas.
Four polished axes and one pseudo-axe were found of which the latter is made of schist and
the others are made of diorite (Figure 5). The axes have a rectangular shape and have mostly
been abandoned after intensive use except for one axe that still has a smooth edge.
The grinding stones (1), polishing stones (2) and grinding/polishing stones (2) are made of
rather large blocks and have abraded sides; two specimens are made of granite and one of
saccharin quartz. The granites are the privileged raw materials for this type of activity due to
their porosity. It is possible that grinding stones may also have been used as anvils.

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Figure 5.
Diorite axe
found in sector
12, square 3.

Other tools

One hammerstone of saccharoid quartz with a trapezoidal shape (length of 72 mm) was
found. Furthermore, eight rock fragments with either an irregular or quadrangular shape
have been found. Their dimensions vary between 42 and 116 mm; they show some use-
marks. Their morphology and primary materials are variable. One polished green lava object
(sector 11, square 7) is notable. It could be a fragment of a rubbing stone.
Finally, 43 lithic elements do not show any traces of use. They represent approximately half
of the lithic materials found at the site. Nevertheless, these exogenic objects are intentionally
imported to the site and remain unidentified.

Conclusions

The small quantity of lithics and the absence of small flakes (micro-chips) is probably related
to the absence of a sifting program. When comparing the spatial distribution of the lithic
tools, the distribution of ceramics (US 2) and the features, one can observe that the lithic
material is distributed in two distinct zones (Lithic Zones 1 and 2) which are similar to the
ceramic dumps (Figure 6). One may assume the existence of two zones where activities
concerning the manufacturing of lithic tools took place. Very few raw materials were found
and the preparation of the rocks was probably carried out somewhere else.

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Figure 6. Spatial distribution of lithic and ceramic artefacts.
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CERAMIC STUDY

The identification of the vessel shapes is based on the terminology and methods developed
by Balfet (B ALFET et al., 1989). The objective of this method is to define modal units
(morphological, morpho-decorative and decorative) which reveal the diversity and the most
significant morphological and decorative components of the ceramic collection (HILDEBRAND
et al., 2008) 4.
The ceramic collection represents 3,702 individual pieces weighing approximately 114,595
grams and was collected primarily from the features (and in particular the pits) but also in
the archaeological layer. The latter corresponds to the last occupation of the site and provided
21% of the weighed ceramics or 41% of the ceramic specimens with an average weight of
approximately 16 grams and 40 grams for the features. The ceramics from the archaeological
layer represent one third (32%) of the constituent elements but its informative value is less
important.
The discrepancy between the decorated and non-decorated ceramics is considered normal
for Amerindian ceramic complexes in the Guianas, representing 5.6% of the assemblage.
Again, 3.3% of the ceramics collected from the features showed decorative elements
representing 4.16% for the total ceramic assemblage of the site. Approximately two thirds
(58%) of the complete vessel shapes are decorated. This high percentage is probably related
to the specific context of these vessels.
Although shards have been detected all over the excavated area, a higher density is clearly
observed in the north-east (sectors 1-3; dumps A and B) and south-eastern areas (sectors 9-11;
dump C) of which the north-eastern dump yielded the bulk of the ceramic material (Figure 8).
This area corresponds to a dump zone situated at the periphery of ancient dwelling area. This
idea is partially attested by the diversity and quantity of the ceramics found in this particular
area and by the absence of anthropogenic features. Dump C is less rich in ceramics and has
been interpreted as a secondary waste area.
The only construction technique observed is the coiling technique although griddles may
have been made by a lumping technique. In all, four groups of non-plastics have been observed.
The mineral type (71%) is clearly the dominant temper of which a sandy-quartz mixture

4
Next to the technical analysis of Balfet, the analytical classification of Amerindian ceramics has been conceptualized
by Rouse and has been re-modelled by Debet and Py (ROUSE, 1939, 1960; DEBET; PY, 1975). This classification has
again been regionalized by Hildebrand who followed the ceramic models established by the members of the
Petit-Saut Project in French Guiana (VACHER et al., 1998; HILDEBRAND; MESTRE, 2005; HILDEBRAND, 2008).

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(29%) is the most popular, followed by a mixture of crushed mica and quartz (17%) and
finally a mixture of quartz, mica and feldspars (15%). A vegetal temper is documented by
burnt bark or kwepi and bits of charcoal, representing only a small percentage (8.6%)5. A
combination of these two non-plastics is also popular (18.3%). Grog as a temper was observed
in a few shards (2.5%) suggesting that grog and kwepi and were not very popular. In total, six
firing colours have been macroscopically observed of which 55% point to a reduced firing,
20% to an oxidizing environment and 25% to a combination of both techniques.

Constituent elements

The diagnostic ceramics of Crique Sparouine consist of 93 elements including 24 archaeologically

complete vessels collected from the features (26%). The constituent elements are composed of
68 rims, 42 bases and 7 collars (n=117).

Rims

The collection of rims fragments represents 68 individuals. The diversity of the rim profiles
allows for a morphological distribution of eight modal series in which the labial treatment
varies (Figure 7). Certain unique rims could not be allotted to a specific series (7.35%).
The most popular rims are inclined towards the outside with a rectilinear profile (SM I: 23.5%)
with rounded, flattened, thickened or pointed lips. This series has as a decorative element
red slip (37.5%) of which some rims are probably associated to boat-shaped vessels.
The second most popular series (SM V: 17.6%) are inflected rims. The latter rims are characterized
by lips with a rounded, pointed or flattened labial treatment and correspond to hemispherical
and/or carenated open forms. It should be noted that the majority of these rims have been
collected in the archaeological layer and may have equivalents among the complete vessel
shapes. The diameter of this type was only observed on three individuals and evolved between
25 and 32 cm. It is likely that some rims are actually neck elements. Three individuals of this

5
Kwpi or cariap is a tree bark obtained from Chrysobalanceae spp. (GRENAND; PREVOST, 1994). Various Amerindian
groups such as the present day Kalia and Palikur still use kwep as a temper material: the bark is dried, burnt and
pounded and finally added to the raw clay. Ethno-archaeological research evidenced that the use of kwepi as a temper
does not have significant technological advantages over quartz or sand. The choice of kwepi as a temper is probably
determined culturally and related to the geographical availability of the species (VAN DEN BEL et al., 1995, p. 49-50).

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Figure 7.
Series of rim
profiles.

series are decorated: two rims with white slip and one rim showing finger indentations at the
flattened inside of the lip. Preponderance of the mineral pastes is noticeable.
The modal series VI consists of 10 individuals and represents nearly 15% of the rim collection
corresponding to the group of sinuous rims (S-rims). This series consists entirely of rims
collected in the features. The labial treatment is characterized by rounded and flattened lips
on open bowls with hardly any decoration.
Series IV is represented by marli-rims or outward stretched rims with a concave profile (14.7%).
They represent open bowls with an opening between 30 and 38 cm and a highly decorative
aspect. This series might have served exclusivity for the application of white slip on the inside

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since the only exception shows complex geometrically scraped designs on the inside. The
white slipped elements of this series also received black and red painting as has been
documented for the vessel 278.1. Within this series, labial treatment is sub-divided: poly-
lobed rims (IVb: 10.3%) are separated from the non-lobed rims (IVa: 4.4%). Quartz as a temper
is dominating.
Series III (11.8%) represents the convergent rims and concern mainly restricted bowls with
rounded or pointed lips. As for decorations, the application of red slip on the inside and/or
outside is common.
Series II consists of rims which are inclined slightly towards the outside with a sinuous or
concave profile (10.3%). The lips are rounded and thickened on the outside. This series is
difficult to define because of the high fragmentation (no diameter could be reconstructed). It
should be noted that the majority of the rims have been collected from the archaeological
layer. The last series, SM VIII, consists of single or unique rim forms (7.4%).

Collars

The collars are distinguished from the rims by a more restricted diameter regarding the
opening and a generally straight profile, parallel with the axis of symmetry of the vessel. The
Crique Sparouine collars are almost exclusively observed on toric pots and jars (5.9%). On
the other hand, the rim-series SM V has a tendency to represent a divergent collar.
The necks are represented by two modal series according to their morphology and labial
treatment. The most popular series is the convergent collars of the toric pots (VIIa) with
inflected lips. The lips of toric pots may have sometimes a large groove and figurative handles
(333.1). The series of the divergent collars (VIIb) consists of only two individuals.

Careens

The careens are mainly positioned at half-length and more rarely on the upper part of the
vessels. They are divided into two morphological types: careens marked by an abrupt or
hooked change of wall direction, and by rounded careens with a more progressive profile
(pseudo-careens). The latter careens are usually positioned at the upper part of the vessel on
the neck with a rare application of decorative elements. On the other hand, the hooked
careens show exclusiveness regarding the decorations which are mainly represented by the
toric pots (e.g. 102.3 and 221).

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Bases and griddles

The constituent bases consist of 41 individuals, divided into five modal series (Figure 8). The
latter series are defined according to the morphological aspect of the base plan: flat bases
(33%), flat bases with a pedestal (24%), concave bases (36%), convex bases (4.7%), and annular
bases (2.4%). The flat bases (including setback) are the most popular (57%). Their thickness
varies between 6 and 22 mm with an average of approximately 10 mm, and the diameter
evolves between 7 and 22 cm with a median between 9 and 12 cm. Sometimes these bases
have a red slip applied to the interior. The bases with a pedestal have a thickness which varies
between 5.5 and 12 mm and a diameter between 6 and 14 cm.

Figure 8.
Series of
bases.

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The thickness of the concave bases varies between 5 and 12 mm and their diameter evolves
between 6 and 12.5 cm. There are two concave bases with red-slipped interiors. Then, there
are two convex bases, restricted to two small toric pots (333.1 and 333.2) which have been
collected from the archaeological layer. The only annular base also shows a red-slipped interior
(102.3). Another (technical?) aspect should be noted: the paste of certain bases consists of
much more quartz temper compared to the upper walls of the same vessel. There is not an
evident statistic relationship between the abundantly tempered bases and a specific series.
Griddles usually occupy a dominating place in the ceramic assemblages collected at
Amerindian sites. However, Crique Sparouine provided only a very small amount of griddle
elements: 49 body fragments and 4 rims representing 1.43% of the total ceramic
assemblage. They are composed of two superimposed clay plates and thickness ranges
between 14 and 28 mm. The rims are unmodified and do not have any labial extension.
Most griddles are tempered with kwepi, sand or crushed mica. The low quantities tend to
prove that their use was restricted to the site. It is possible that a satellite settlement site
was dedicated to its use.

Vessel shapes

There are 24 reconstructable vessel shapes of which 14 specimens are decorated (58%).
These vessels can be divided in eight morphological groups (A-H; Figure 9). It should be noted
that most of these vessels have been found in pits which are probably burial pits. Consequently,
the latter may contain pottery especially made for a funerary occasion and therefore may
not correspond to the domestic ceramic inventory. In addition, this may explain the high
level of decoration.
A. This group represents the most popular vessel shape and dominates the inventory of
complete vessels (n=8 or 33%). They are open bowls showing sinuous upper profiles, rounded
lips and diameters varying between 22 and 40 cm. Wall thickness varies between 5 and 10 mm
and the base thickness between 8 and 12 mm. Except for one concave base, flat bases with
diameters varying between 9 and 14 cm dominate this group. Firing colours vary and the
vessels are generally tempered with quartz or a vegetal/quartz mixture. Only one vessel
(36.1) is decorated with a finger-indented coil (cord) applied around its wall. This group was
probably used for food preparation and forms a very coherent ensemble.
B. This group consists only of two vessel shapes having divergently necked rims. Their wall
thickness is 6 and 8 mm with a diameter of approximately 10 cm. Both bases are flat; firing
took place in a reduced atmosphere. The two specimens have a lug applied to the upper rounded
careen near the neck. These shapes were probably used for preserving and pouring liquids.

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Figure 9.
Groups of vessel
shapes.

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C. This group represents restricted vessels and consists of three different shapes. Pot 220 is a
non-decorated vessel with rims inclined towards the inside. Pot 377.1 has a finger-indented
or notched coil application around its wall and one large lug applied to its convergent rim.
Between the lip and this cord, a band of red slip has been applied. A characteristic of pot
102.3 is its annular base and the uniform red slip applied to the interior. The red slip continues
also on the outside, and like 377.1, it is applied here between the lip and the careen. The
function of these vessels remains to be defined.
D. This category includes the boat-shaped vessels. They are open forms with rims inclined
towards the outside and a rectilinear or slightly convex profile with slightly rounded or pointed
lips. Wall thickness ranges between 8 and 9 mm and bases between 8 and 11 cm. The diameter
of the latter varies between 8 and 9 cm. These boat-shaped vessels have a red slip applied
exclusively to the entire interior. Two other vessels are also considered as to be boat-shaped:
121.1 and 376.2. Moreover, the firing colours of this group are the result of reduced firing and
the vessels have an exclusively vegetal temper. All these constituent elements reflect a very
homogeneous group.
E. This vessel type is characterized by the so-called floral bowl which has several characteristic
elements. The vessel shape is defined by an open bowl with broad flaring rims known as
marli (a stretched rim inclined towards the outside with concave external profile) of
approximately 6 cm, showing pseudo-careens and flat bases. The diameters of the openings
measure approximately 32 cm. Quartz temper and firing in a reducing atmosphere is
dominant. Several decorative modes are observed frequently: curvilinear painted designs in
black or red applied to a white slip on the inside of the vessel, or geometrical scraped designs
on the inside of the flaring rims. In both cases, the lip of the marli-rim has a poly-lobed
appearance. These types of decorations in combination with this vessel shape are current at
the site and evoke a highly standardized pottery type which has probably a specific function
related to ceremonies. Lastly, pot 221 was added to this group because of the application of
white slip to the outside and its bell-shaped form (see also Figure 4). It may represent a trade
piece (Arist ?).
F. Just as form E, this group of vessels is characterized by one specific vessel shape: a toric
shape with slightly converging neck. Height varies between 10 and 20 cm and the bases are
convex. The thickness of the necks varies between 6 and 9 mm and its opening has an
average of 9 cm for the smaller pots and 20 cm for the larger ones. The inflected rims have
a flattened part which is sometimes provided with a broad groove suggesting the presence of
a lid. The toric body shows two careens, namely the points of attachment of the base and the
neck. The latter is usually marked with a scraped groove. The extended toric body can often
be divided into four panels by a vertical indented groove forming segments which are
decorated with finely incised or scraped geometrical or curvilinear patterns. The vertical
grooves sometimes show stylized and decorated handles. At the upper part of the segments

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biomorphic appliqus have been attached, representing the starting point for the geometric
designs. Slipped areas have not been observed on the toric pots at this site. The majority of
the vessels show firing with a reducing mode and their paste is exclusively tempered with
mineral anitplastics. The toric pots have a highly decorative aspect and, like the floral bowls,
evoke a ceremonially inspired function. The constituent elements are very homogeneous.
G. This group consists of one cup. It has an open form (diameter of 13 cm) and a slightly tilted rim
towards the outside, showing a rectilinear profile. Wall thickness is 6 mm and the base 11 mm. Its
paste contains sand and quartz temper. This cup was probably used as a drinking utensil.
H. The last group includes the two largest vessels (138.2 and 102.2) or basins with a diameter
of over 64 cm. The two vessels were found to be entirely buried into a pit. The first one has a
convergent rim and the second one has an inclined rim towards the outside. It shows slipping
on the inside. Their height is approximately 55 and 42 cm, respectively. Base thickness is 22
and 19 cm and consists of two clay lumps; the diameter is 22 and 20 cm. Wall thickness is
approximately 1 cm for both. They have been fired in a atmosphere. The paste contains
crushed mica or vegetal temper. The basins were probably used for fermenting kashiri beer
or for keeping water. Their size is their principal characteristic.

Decorative modes
Slips

Decorated ceramics (n=146) represent a very low share of the total ceramic assemblage
(4.16%; Figure 10). The decorative repertories are relatively elementary and consist mainly
of the application of a monochrome red slip or painting (42%) corresponding roughly to the
colour Dark Red (7,5R 3/8) or Red (2,5YR 5/8) of the Munsell code (1990). Half (54%) of the red
slips have been applied to the inside of the vessel, a quarter (26%) to the outside and the last
quarter (25%) is applied to both surfaces. In the latter case, the red slip is often applied between
the upper careen or shoulder and the rim. It is noticeable that the red slip has been applied
exclusively to the inside of all boat-shaped vessels.
The application of a white slip (27%) is, the second most popular colour; it corresponds to
White (5YR 8/1). The white slip has generally been applied to the interior of the vessel (72%),
but also to the outside (27%). It never occurs on both surfaces. Only two white-slipped fragments
reveal an additional application of geometric painted designs in black. It is possible that all
white-slipped surfaces bore black or red (polychrome) painting which eroded in the lateritic
soil. The red and white slips represent over 70% of the decorated ceramics and obviously
dominate the decorative register.

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Figure 10.
Examples of
various types of
decoration on
ceramics.

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Incision and appliqud designs

The incised decorations (n=26) are, following the painted designs, the most popular
decorative modes at the site (18.1%). They consist mainly of fine incisions (65.8%) or scraped
incisions (19%), revealing more or less complex geometrical or curvilinear designs. The
first are almost exclusively applied to the outside walls of toric pots that also show biomorphic
modelled appliqu motifs attached to the upper careens. Scraped geometrical incisions
have also been applied to toric pots in this same manner, but are also present on floral
bowls in combination with poly-lobed rims (278.2). In total, there are eight rim shards with
poly-lobed rims (5.6%). The remaining other incisions are rectilinear and applied around
the vessel wall below the rim. The presence of a parallel incised (decorative) ribbon-shaped
handle is noteworthy.
Modelled appliqu designs represent 9.7% of the decorated ceramics and mainly consist of
nubbins, lugs and cords. The latter are clay strips applied around the external vessel walls
featuring finger indentations (36.1) or notches (177.1).
Most nubbins have been applied to toric pots on which nubbins with small reed incisions
create biomorphic head lugs. One small fragment of a poly-lobed lip with red slip on the
inside and scraped incisions also features reed-incised nubbins (10-10). There are two non-
incised nubbins applied to the outside of a wall fragment and one has been applied to the
inside rim of white-slipped floral bowl (330.1). Single lugs have been applied to the shoulder
(36.2) and to the outside of the rim (377.1). Three shards are adorned with relief applications
which in one case may represent a human face. One (decorated) spindle whorl (330) was
found but this clay object shows heavily weathering.

Typological synthesis
The ceramic assemblage of Crique Sparouine

The typological synthesis is based on 93 constituent elements including 24 archaeologically

complete vessels. When discussing the typology of Crique Sparouine one should not forget
the elements collected from the archaeological layer and the vessels found in the pits. The
morphological register declines around the hemispherical bowls with sinuous rims (series VI),
flat bases (series 1), boat-shaped vessels with red slip applied to the inside (group D; series I),
the floral bowls of group E (series IV) and the toric pots of group F (series VIIa). The other
series are considered to be minority series, although jars and basins form homogenous groups
as well. The restricted vessels have a variety of characteristic elements but their presence is

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nevertheless relevant and such is the case for the convergent rims (series III). Furthermore,
one can observe a certain number of recurring morphological and decorative characteristics
witnessing standardisation by the potters. The most eye-catching vessels are certainly the
floral bowls, toric pots and the boat shaped vessels. The sinuous rims are probably also present
in rim series I and II.
The classification of the non-plastic elements distinguishes four principal classes of which
mineral temper and a combination of a mineral and a vegetal temper dominate half of the
morphological groups (A, E, F, G and H). The rare presence of grog is remarkable and the
boat-shaped vessels are tempered exclusively with vegetal non-plastics and in this way the
latter form a highly diagnostic component for the Crique Sparouine site. In fact, they may
evoke a specific function and/or intrusive origin. The restricted grog-tempered vessel 102.3
with annular base and red-slipped interior is similarly exceptional, suggesting a context
comparable to the boat-shaped vessels. A functional differentiation is feasible for:
1. Cooking and/or storage activities (groups A and H);
2. Serving and food preparation (groups B, D and G); and
3. Decorative or ceremonial value (groups E, F and D).
As mentioned above, there exists an obvious difference between the modes of decoration
and the morphology of the vessels between groups A, B, C, D on the one hand and the Koriabo
groups Koriabo E and F on the other. The decorations of the first group are generally fairly
simple comprising red-slipped surfaces, finger-indented cord designs or small lugs while the
other series show mainly white-slipped surfaces with elaborate red-painted designs,
indentations on the lip (poly-lobed rims), and fine-line or scraped incised complex designs.
The discovery of three Koriabo vessels in pit 278 shows clearly the contemporaneity of groups
E and F.
On the basis of all these observations and the excavated surface we can distinguish between
a specific area of features to the south of sector 7 where only typical Koriabo-styled ceramics
(groups E and F) have been found and the area to the north of it where only the other ceramic
groups (A, B, C, D and H) have been encountered.

Dating and cultural affiliation

The radiocarbon dates of Crique Sparouine show an occupation between the end of the 10th
and the first half of the 14th century AD which is interpreted as one continuous occupation of
approximately 400 years. The ceramic assemblage of Crique Sparouine is similar to the ceramic
assemblages of sites 230-East and 172 of Petit-Saut on the Lower Sinnamary River (VACHER et al.,

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1998, p. 244-256, 233-237). The ceramic groups A, B, D, E and F are present at the latter site
and the site 230-East also yielded groups A, C, D, E, F and H. But the decoration modes of the
latter Petit-Saut sites show bi-chrome painting on the interior surfaces, labial notches, bands of
punctuations and external oblique incisions which are completely absent at Crique Sparouine.
On the other hand, relief decorations, finger-indented cord designs, the application of red slip
to the inside, poly-lobed floral bowls and toric pots are common for all three sites.
According to the authors, the above mentioned Petit-Saut sites are attached to the Arauquinoid-
Koriabo Unit (VACHER et al., 1998). According to Boomert (2004, p. 258), Koriabo should be
considered as a member of the Amazonian Polychrome Tradition since it shows close affinities
to the Ancestral Mazago-Arist complex of Amap, Brazil. On the other hand, Rostain
(1994, p. 459) attributes the Koriabo to the Amazonian Incised-and-Punctate Tradition because
of the absence of excision (pers. comm. ROSTAIN, 2008). The author would like to comment that
the scraped geometrical patterns of Koriabo can also be regarded as a form of excision which
is also a dominant decorative element in the Guaritan subseries of the Polychrome Tradition
situated in the Central Amazon (HILBERT 1968; NEVES et al., 2003; PINTO LIMA et al., 2006).
Hildebrand et al. (2008, p. 48) prefer to see the Koriabo complex as a Horizon instead of a
tradition because of the wide range of radio carbon dates known from small archaeological
test units which question its pertinence and representivity.
It is clear that groups E and F are key vessel shapes for the Koriabo complex which are both
present at the Petit-Saut sites and Crique Sparouine. These vessel shapes already have
been defined for French Guiana (GROENE, 1976; CORNETTE, 1985; ROSTAIN, 1994, p. 199-212,
Type Chaton fantastique), Guyana (MEGGERS; EVANS, 1960, p. 124-145) and Suriname (BOOMERT,
1978, 1986, p. 32-34). They are similar to Form 5 and Form 11 defined by Boomert and there
exists also a strong resemblance between group A and Boomerts Form 10. The existing
chronology of the Koriabo complex is variable according to various authors and extends
from AD 750 to 1500 according to Boomert (2004, p. 256) and between AD 1200 and 1500
according to Versteeg (2003, p. 183). The average of all known radiocarbon-dated Koriabo
sites is approximately 850 BP and the majority of the dates range between 1000 and 400 BP
having a calibrated occupation span between 900 and 1500 AD. The Crique Sparouine dates
fall clearly in this time span and can placed in its early phase.
The other ceramic groups, in particular B, C, D, H and to a lesser extend A, do not have an
unquestionable cultural affiliation according to the author but can be allotted to the Koriabo
complex as well6. However, the obvious difference between the modes of decoration and the
morphological forms of these two series could evoke a cultural difference between these
ceramic groups.

6
According to Boomert (pers. comm., 2008), vessel 220 can be attributed to the Koriabo complex.

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SYNTHESIS AND CONCLUSIONS

The Crique Sparouine site is situated in the boundary zone of the Precambrian Shield and the
Pleistocene floodplain. Seen from the Maroni River, the hilltop is indeed the first elevated
site location of importance on the Sparouine Creek (still under influence of the sea). The
western slope of this rather small lateritic table- shaped hill (0.75 ha.) is very steep and
overhangs the creek. This type of site location is classic for pre-Columbian sites in the Guianas.
The ceramic assemblage comprises pottery that is clearly affiliated to the Koriabo complex.
The four radiocarbon dates evidence a 400 years continuous occupation but the assumption
of two successive occupations remains probable: a first occupation within the 11th century
and a second one within the 14th century. The fairly thin archaeological layer reflects indeed
a short occupation. The pondered distribution of lithic and ceramic artefacts reveals two
similar dump zones. From this perspective, one can assume that the southern part of the
excavated area (the highest part of the hilltop) was occupied at first although this is not
completely confirmed by the radiocarbon date from this area. In this area, concentrations of
postholes represent a construction (HL 1) but also features a zone of tools (Lithic Zone 2) and
a secondary ceramic dump (zone C). Abandoned deposits in the archaeological layer (US 2),
probably related to the latest occupation, are encountered only in this southern area which
may have functioned as a plaza.
The concentrations of features and dumps located to the north also feature an occupation phase.
Dump B is probably of a secondary nature because of its superimposition to postholes and pits.
The location of another house (HL 2) at this spot is possible which could be contemporaneous to
HL 1. Dump A probably functioned throughout the whole occupation. Between the two house
locations another concentration of postholes has been found which could be the last as well as the
first construction of the site. Its posthole configuration is more obvious since it is situated in the
centre of the excavated area and consists of several posts over 30 cm in depth forming clear
angles. A house location of approximately 400 m is imaginable.

Another Koriabo assemblage?

The question arises whether the unknown ceramic series of Crique Sparouine are actually
part of the Koriabo complex. The eye-catching decorative designs and their typical vessel
shapes were used to pinpoint the existing Koriabo sites. The domestic or plain ware is hardly
known and often neglected by researchers. The majority of the sites are known through test
pits, surface collecting and private collections (complete vessels found in rapids or by gold

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miners). In fact, its Koriaboness is only acclaimed when the typical Koriabo decorations are
observed (groups E and F).
The ceramic deposit of three Koriabo vessels in pit 278, the ceramic deposits in small pits (Type 2)
and the deposits of multiple Koriabo vessels in the archaeological layer in the southern area are
interesting (Figure 11). These features actually yielded all the Koriabo ceramic deposits of the
excavation which may imply a special function of this area. Comparing this configuration to the
other concentration of pits with ceramic deposits (pits Type 1 and 3) that do not feature ceramics
with (clear) Koriabo characteristics, a clear separation can be drawn between these configurations.
Thus, the Crique Sparouine site revealed two different ceramic series in pits which are
separated on site level. Two interpretations are possible. Firstly, we can suppose that there
were two successive occupations: one Koriabo occupation and one other occupation revealing
an unknown ceramic series. Secondly, we could also state that there was only one occupation:
either one Koriabo occupation or one occupation linked to the unknown series that may
have traded with the Koriabo people. Both ideas stand firm and challenge the definition of
the Koriabo ceramic complex.
The Crique Sparouine excavation evidenced that the Koriabo pottery is spatially restricted
which may imply that both the Koriabo and/or the unknown ceramic series used the typical
Koriabo-styled ceramics as deposits in a certain area of the site. The four radiocarbon dates
may indicate two separate occupations which is again confirmed by a two different ceramic
groups and different types of ceramic deposits. These assumptions preferably stress two
occupations but it remains difficult to tell whether they represent two different groups.
However, to my opinion, the standardised Koriabo vessels have played an important
ceremonial role in specific (inter)social group activities. The Koriabo ceramic may also have
been used as a trade ware among the Koriabo and other Amerindian groups in the Guianas.
This exchange function is confirmed by the wide distribution of Koriabo-styled ceramics,
stretching from north-western Guyana to western Amap. The culture area may represent
an enormous social interaction sphere of nearly one million square kilometres enclosing a
minimum time span of 600 years (BOOMERT, 2004, p. 266).

Final Remarks

Further large-scale archaeological excavations at habitation sites are needed to document

features, deposits, large amounts of ceramics and their spatial distribution at site level but
also to obtain more radiocarbon dates in order to break down this gigantic ceramic complex.
In the past ten years or so the amount of archaeological research due to preventive
archaeological operations increased considerably in French Guiana. Mechanical surveys and

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Figure 11.
Hypothetical
interpretation of
the site combining
features, dates and
archaeological
material.

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excavations revealed a great number of sites in areas where until recently very little
archaeological data were known7. Large-scale excavations enable investigation of large-sized
areas and the analysis of enormous amounts of artefacts. These benefits are unknown in the
adjacent countries. The large quantity of archaeological data resulting from the preventive
excavations is in most cases (with all respect) qualitatively and statistically more important
than the database upon which the actual cultural framework of the Guianas has been built.
But there are some side effects: the data are somehow isolated because of a lack of sites that
have been excavated in the same way, which can be illustrated by the difficulties that exist
when ceramic data from preventive excavations need to be integrated into the existing
cultural framework. But again, the discovery of multiple pits with ceramic deposits is not
completely different, but the large scale of the excavations showing a spatial distribution of
these pits would not be possible when excavating too small areas.
Preventive archaeology and its specific techniques have an even essential important influence on
the methodology of excavation. The restricted budget and time limits make it sometimes necessary
to make rigorous choices concerning excavation strategy. Archaeological research in zones usually
deprived from archaeological research (due to road construction) such as Crique Sparouine increase
our knowledge on the pre-Columbian cultures in these hitherto unknown areas.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This article is an abstract of the Inrap field report on the Crique Sparouine excavations (VAN DEN
BEL et al., 2007) and can be downloaded from the Inrap site (www.inrap.fr). The author would
like to thank the Inrap members in French Guiana and especially Pierre Texier (topography),
Sandrine Delpech (lithics), and Matthieu Hildebrand (ceramics) for their collaboration. I would
like to thank Lydie Clerc and Deborah Deschamps for their volunteering during the fieldwork
and Monique Ruig for her drawings. I am indebted to the inhabitants of Sparouine for their
hospitality as well as the workers of Ribal who are building the future road. Finally, I would like
to thank Arie Boomert for his corrections and comments on the first draft.

7
Since 2003, seven new Koriabo sites have been discovered and tested mechanically by preventive archaeological
research in French Guiana: Tania, Crique Hermina, Crique Sparouine, Saut-Saillat, Yaou/Maripasoula, Balat and Point
Morne of which the last site pushed the Koriabo cultural sphere until the Oyapock River at the Brazilian border.
Recently, pedestrian surveys and excavations in Amap revealed the existence of Koriabo sites in the eastern
Guianas (SALDANHA; CABRAL, 2008).

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