Sages of the Sea
This chapter draws on an array of sources including twentieth century scientific studies to offer insight into the habits and migratory patterns of sea turtles. As a result, the chapter discusses basic sea turtle biology differentiating the distinctive features of green and hawksbill turtles. It then explains how the two turtle varieties became global commodities for niche luxury markets. The chapter explains how indigenous and early New World newcomers—both European and non-European—came to adapt and learn how to hunt turtles in the Caribbean. It also traces the development of turtle hunting in the Cayman Islands. The chapter argues that turtles played a pivotal role in shaping these small islands and coastal societies as much as sugar or banana commodities did in other parts of the Caribbean.