Études Caribéennes (Dec 2024)
De la stabilité des sites ornés de rivière en contexte tropical lors d’événements pluviométriques majeurs : Le cas de la tempête Fiona en Guadeloupe
Abstract
This article addresses the impact of extreme weather events on rock art sites located along rivers in humid tropical contexts. Drawing on archaeological and hydrogeomorphological observations made in Guadeloupe following the passage of Tropical Storm Fiona in September 2022, we provide an analysis of the modifications caused by the floods and discuss the implications for the current spatial distribution of engraved rocks in the landscape, as well as their vulnerability/stability in the face of the recurrence of such climatic hazards.The results reveal highly variable consequences depending on the sites, with their nature and extent depending on the location of the rock art sites in relation to precipitation distribution, their position within the hydrographic network (terraces, active bed, transit zone, flood zone), and the maturity of the latter. Apart from along the Petit-Carbet River, it appears that pre-Columbian engraved rocks still present today along riverbanks occupy privileged locations from a conservation standpoint and/or possess characteristics enabling them to withstand major flood events (size + nature of the support). Conversely, along the Petit-Carbet River, the displacement of several engraved rocks, some of which show obvious signs of stability since pre-Columbian times, highlights the intensity of the floods during Fiona, and a possible increase in pressure on rock art conservation.The analysis also highlights the importance of considering the impact of extreme weather events on the spatial distribution of rock art sites to address the relationship to space of past human communities. It thus demonstrates that the apparent deficit in rock art sites in northern Basse-Terre cannot be attributed to unfavorable meteorological and/or hydrogeomorphological conditions. Other cultural and/or taphonomic factors need to be considered to explain the highly contrasting spatial distribution observed between the north and south of the island.Finally, this study provides discussion points to prioritize future conservation measures based on the specific vulnerabilities of different rock art sites, thereby contributing to more effective management of archaeological heritage in humid tropical regions.
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