Pre-history dig off Can Pastilla

Na Galera was in the news a few weeks ago after the discovery of human remains there. Forensic scientists investigating the find are now claiming in conjunction with archaeologists, that the site was used by Punic settlers from Ibiza for maritime trade they had established with Catalonia, Marseilles, and Ampurias (Girona).

Years ago, the little promontory of na Galera was the subject of a study undertaken by archaeologist Victor Guerrero and later published as an article entitled “Punic settlements on coastal promontories.” However, until now, the site in Can Pastilla has never been fully unearthed. “At first glance, access to the islet seems easy but it in fact depends on the state of the sea,” said Ramon Martín who is heading a team of volunteers in this most recent unearthing of na Galera.

Martín said that he and his colleagues have found a piece of particular interest - a fragment of what appears to be an earthenware lamp decorated with a face.

Until now, said Martín, no decorated earthenware from this particular period has ever been found. He explained that the work at na Galera had indeed been progressing slowly due to the restrictions sea movements were putting on the volunteer team, but after the ground had been marked out and its surfaces etched clean, there is evidence to suggest that there was once a well on the island. Also found on the site were traces of walled structures, mortar-based terraces and Punic pottery.

The archaeological team said they had found remains of a structure that would have acted as a storeroom for keeping merchandise and tools for repairing boats. The site, said Martin, would have been a supply source for commercial exchange which the Punic settlers would have carried out with Talaiotic peoples (probably Visigoths) who lived in the nearby settlement of Son Oms.

Regarding the human remains, Martin said that they had been found much too close to the surface to warrant their being prehistoric. “It would seem they are from modern times, but if forensic scientists fail to identify them, they will resort to the Carbon dating process.”