Day 6 - afternoon - Visit to the Belmaco Cave

The caves and the oldest carvings on the island were discovered in 1752.  It is an important site as it is one of the few where archaeological layers are evident and thus more accurate dating is possible.  14 funeral caves have also been discovered in the area, but these have all been pillaged.

The original occupants came from North Africa and the caves have been used by man for more than 2000 years.  15-20 people would have originally inhabited the largest cave and they lived by hunting and gathering.  The situation was ideal for the following reasons:

· Permanent running spring water

· Good pasture for livestock – mainly goats

· Halfway between the coast – collection of seafood – and the mountain pastures – grazing for livestock in the summer.

Rock carvings

The exact meaning of the rock carvings is not known, but it has been speculated that they have religious significance.  Other examples of carvings have been discovered in different parts of the island, but the ones at Bel Maco are considered to be the most important.

Some cave inhabitants had a written language, but the alphabet was all consonants and could be read from any direction!  Evidence of pottery making has also been discovered at the site and there are examples displayed in the small museum.

A present day cave dweller