1600s – 1800s (Legacy): The maritime designations of “Windward” and “Leeward” Islands were established as British colonial administrative units based on prev…

1600s – 1800s (Legacy): The maritime designations of “Windward” and “Leeward” Islands were established as British colonial administrative units based on prevailing trade winds and sailing directions. In this traditional colonial framework, the Windward Islands are defined as the chain starting from Dominica and moving southward. Conversely, the Leeward Islands include the northern portion of the archipelago, though specific definitions varied between different European powers. Archaeologists often use these colonial terms to describe observed regional variations in pre-Columbian material culture. However, the scientific application of these names sometimes conflicts with the original political and administrative boundaries set during the colonial era.