Bone fragments along with other artifacts were unearthed during a 1984-89 excavation at the FD Roosevelt Airport by archaeologist Aad Versteeg.
This was part of a research project by the Archaeological Centre of the Leiden State University in the Netherlands and the Archaeological-Anthropological Institute of the Netherlands Antilles on Curaçao.
The project investigated several archaeological sites in the Windward islands of the Netherlands Antilles, particular in Saba and Statia, to gain an insight into the way of life and patterns of organisation of the indigenous inhabitants of the islands in the pre-Columbian period.
The remains of 9 indigenous people shipped to the Netherlands after an archaeological dig over 30 years ago have now been repatriated to Statia.
Almost all the excavated material, including artefacts that dated back to the fifth century, was shipped to the Netherlands. The research results were published in the 1992 publication “The Archaeology of Sint Eustatius. The Golden Rock.”
Now, after a near year-long process, which included discussions between the authorities in Statia and the Netherlands, the human remains are back on the island. The Statia Cultural Heritage Implementation Committee will consult residents on burial, said Nasha Radjouki, the programme manager for culture with the Statia Government.
