Unprecedented research on metallic pieces found in the cemetery of indigenous peoples of Chorro de Maita, in the eastern region of Holguin, Cuba, has revealed their European and South American origins.

The investigation, one of the most complete of this type in the Caribbean, was carried out in the laboratories of the Archaeology Institute of London, in the United Kingdom.

Latest technology equipment was used for the analysis of samples which have proven that the objects were created with European brass while others are the results of a gold, copper and silver alloy, possibly originating from Colombia.

That conclusion points out that the chronology of the Chorro de Maita cemetery, one of the most important archaeological sites on the island and in the Caribbean, and indicates that part of the burials occurred after the Spanish conquest at the beginnings of the sixteenth century.

Roberto Valcarcel, a specialist of the Oriental Archaeology Center in Holguin and a Cuban representative in London, said to AIN that the conclusions of the work open new perspectives on the topic.

He indicated the existence of objects brought from South America and used in mortuary rites verified in the place, adding that it should be studied whether they were brought by Europeans or were obtained by means of exchange.

The cemetery of indigenous peoples of Chorro de Maita is located near Guardalavaca Beach in Banes, Holguin, where all the known burial forms in Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean can be appreciated.