Abstract

For several decades it has been hypothesized that the early Preceramic cultures of the Greater Antilles might owe there origin to cultures of the Yucatan mainland. Currently this hypothesis has at least a tentative acceptance. However, no detailed comparative analysis of the relevant materials has been conducted. Here, significant differences between the assemblages of the two regions are pointed out. Other mainland origins have been suggested but some have not been investigated well archaeologically. Finally, a simulation investigating the possibility of discovering the Greater Antilles from various mainland regions and subsequent travel between the islands and the mainland is presented. The results show that chance discovery of the Greater Antilles from the Yucatan Peninsula is not as likely as from Northern South America. Despite the greater distance, navigation between Northern South America and the Greater Antilles requires less navigation skill than from the Yucatan Peninsula.