UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Pomier Caves
the Dominican Republic

Pomier Caves

Largest Caribbean rock art cave complex

Location

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Historical Context

About

The Pomier Caves, located in the south of the Dominican Republic, comprise a network of 55 caves that serve as a significant archaeological site in the Caribbean. These caves are renowned for housing the largest collection of rock art in the region, primarily created by the Taíno people some 2,000 years ago. The art includes approximately 6,000 drawings, carvings, and pictographs depicting birds, fish, reptiles, and human figures, created using charcoal mixed with animal fat. This site offers invaluable insight into the pre-Columbian history and cultures of the Caribbean Islands, specifically the Taíno, Kalinago, and Igneri peoples. Despite facing threats from nearby limestone mining, efforts have been made to protect and preserve this cultural heritage. The Pomier Caves are being considered for the designation of Prehistoric Capital of the Antilles due to their archaeological significance.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Taíno art creation

100 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Cave PaintingsPetroglyphs
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

the Dominican Republic

Coordinates

18.47° N, -70.13° E