The Caurita Petroglyph or Caurita Stone is a 6ft high by 8ft wide boulder baring carvings that were made by the First People of Trinidad. It is also the only confirmed pre-Columbian petroglyph found in Trinidad. Rock art in the form of petroglyphs (carved images) and pictographs (painted design) is found on a number of different rock surfaces throughout the Caribbean. Amerindians executed most of this substantial body of visual expression. The Caribbean contains three categories of rock art: painted images and carved designs on rock surfaces, and rock sculptures. Rock Art was executed during three broadly defined periods: the Preceramic (7500/4000-400/250 BC), the Ceramic (400/250 BC – AD 1500) and the early historic (AD 1500).

The Caurita Petroglyphs contains anthropomorphic images, ranging from minimal facial features to fully detailed head and body figures. Unenclosed, partial, or fully enclosed facial elements rendered as pits, dashes, and ovals that are interpreted as eyes and mouths make up a significant design category. Attached body forms including simple outlines, stick figures, and enclosed images in which the torso either lacks or has diverse internal design features that lack appendages or indicate enfolded arms and legs. Present on the rocks are zoomorphs, which are often rendered realistically, including a bird-like image. The Caurita stone has abstract designs including crosses, and varying arrangements of lines, circles and pits.

The Caurita Petroglyphs, located in the northern range, serves as an important spiritual place for the First Peoples or Amerindians in Trinidad, and is the largest documented rock art in Trinidad. The Santa Rosa First Peoples Community places special spiritual significance on this artefact and the surrounding area.

Property of interest (known as the “Caurita Stone” petroglyphs) located in the Maracas Valley and part of a larger parcel of land comprising 55 acres.

Other Known Name: Caurita Carvings

Address: Caurita Hills, Maracas Valley

Town/City: Maracas – St. Joseph

Region: Tunapuna – Piarco

Site Type: Cultural Heritage

Ownership: Public

Public Accessibility: Limited Access

Grade: Grade A – an object or artifact made by man that is rare or unique or is considered to be a fine crafted example of its kind;

Cultural Community: First People

Site Features: Archaeological Finds