c.

c. AD 1200 – 1500 (Subsistence): The archaeological identification of wellheads made from broken pots represents a specific adaptation to the challenge of securing freshwater in coastal Caribbean environments. In sandy or limestone areas with high water tables, indigenous groups buried large, neckless ceramic vessels with the bottoms removed to serve as “lining” for shallow wells. This prevented the surrounding sand from collapsing and filtered the groundwater. Keegan and Hofman note that this technique was particularly prevalent at sites like White Marl in Jamaica, demonstrating a sophisticated level of hydrological management that allowed for stable, long-term village occupation in coastal zones.