Geo-archaeological study of pre-Columbian Caribbean jade artifacts. Decoding the “jade route” in Mesoamerica-Caribbean and geological and anthropological implications.

Jadeitite (jadeite jade) is a rare, high-pressure rock formed in deep subduction zones. Only about 20 sources are known, including the Motagua Valley in Guatemala, and recent discoveries in the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Jade was highly valued by pre-Columbian cultures like the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec for its color, hardness, and ritual significance. After the conquest, knowledge of these sources was lost. Traditionally, archaeological jade found in Central America and the Caribbean (450–1500 AD) was considered to be of Guatemalan origin, suggesting a vast trade network. However, the new deposits complicate this view. Petrographic investigations of Caribbean artifacts indicate extensive use of Guatemalan jade, which is unexpected given the lack of evidence for direct Maya-Antilles interaction. Furthermore, the evidence points to an unidentified jade source, likely in northern Venezuela. This suggests complex trade routes, possibly facilitated by cabotage (coastal shipping) along the Central and South American coasts, although a challenging direct connection across the Caribbean Sea with Colombia-Venezuela cannot be ruled out.