Guadalupe West Indies

Before the first European step at the end of 1493, the island was occupied by Amerindians, originally from Asia, known as Arawaks. According to estimations, the earliest settlers landed on Guadeloupe around 300 BC. One of their main tribe in the Caribbean, the Tainos, settled in Guadeloupe and lived happily until they were removed by the Caribs who were more aggressive.

The Caribs called the island Karukera, which means roughly “island with beautiful waters”. This tribe had the honor to meet the first Europeans, although those did not settle in Guadeloupe until 1635. In fact, the island was used as a trading post until the French sent explorers to take control on the island, what they aimed in 1674. They managed to do it exterminating the local population, as the Caribs were warlike people and unlikely to be governed.

This ethnic group was almost wiped out in all the Caribbean area, although it did not extinguish. It is still possible to find a Carribean reserve in the Commonwealth of Dominica, Guadeloupe’s neighbour island southwards.

Anyway, the Arawaks left their mark in Karukera carving many rocks all over the island. It is possible to visit a park in the town of Trois-Rivières (Three-Rivers) with many of the engraved rocks in their original location. Don’t forget to turn up and have a look at this park if you’re visiting the island, as you will find a great range of tropical trees and vegetation appart from the petroglyphs.