Definition: The Saladoid culture is the name given to immigrants from South American who moved into the Caribbean region about the 4th century BC. The Saladoid people were horticulturalists living in the the Orinoco valley and along the northeast coast of South America, making a distinctive white-on-red pottery and tending manioc and fishing.
Between 500-280 BC they immigrated into Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles, eventually making up a large portion of what was to become a single Caribbean culture. One distinctive Saladoid artifact is small portable art shaped like raptorial birds native to South America made of a range of exotic materials such as amethyst, crystal quartz, and fossilized wood.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Between 500-280 BC they immigrated into Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles, eventually making up a large portion of what was to become a single Caribbean culture. One distinctive Saladoid artifact is small portable art shaped like raptorial birds native to South America made of a range of exotic materials such as amethyst, crystal quartz, and fossilized wood.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Examples: Saladero, Venezuela; Tibes, Puerto Rico
