Was there an ancient "lost civilization" in Cuba?

During the past decade, anthropological research has tended to support the theory by Cuban archaeologists that their island was an ancient crossroads of advanced indigenous cultures. In 2005 the highly respected anthropology program at the University of Alabama carried out joint studies with Cuban archaeologists on several sites. It was determined that prior to being exterminated by Spanish invaders, the native peoples of Cuba were skilled farmers, who grew many varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs now found in supermarkets around the world. They built some stone architecture, but tended to live in small villages so that the residents could maintain a sustainable relationship with the environment.

Since 2004 research by Native American scholars, funded by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Perdido Bay Creek Tribe, the Lost Worlds Organization, the Florida Endowment for the Humanities and private philanthropists have found extensive evidence that support the Cuban theory of their island being a gateway between cultures. Maya words, cultural traditions AND DNA have been found in the Creek Indian mound builders of the Southeast.

Historians have also identified a once powerful people with many Mesoamerican traditions, known to the English as the Soque and the French as the Joque in South Carolina at the time of European contact. Remnants of the Soque joined with the Creeks and the Cherokees. There is an isolated band of Eastern Cherokees, known as the Snowbird Cherokees. They are called “moon faces” by the main body of the Cherokees, because many Snowbird families closely resemble the ancient stone sculptures of the Olmecs.

Until comprehensive archaeological studies are carried out along the western coast of Cuba, the possibility of a lost civilization being there must remain in the realm of speculation. Cuba’s economy is transforming, but still can not afford the expenditure of such a massive undertaking. The most likely model for a large scale archeological study to take place would be similar to the University of Alabama’s joint project with Cuban archaeologists. Perhaps several universities from several nations could be involved. Whatever transpires in the future, it is clear that the history book on the native peoples of the Western Hemisphere is yet to be completed.