Discover the Mystical Origins of Aruba’s Earliest Inhabitants
Booking a glimpse into Aruba’s soul is as easy as a phone call to Etnia Nativa at 592 2702.
Tucked away near the high-rise hotels, Etnia Nativa isn’t just a museum—it’s a living, breathing tribute to the island’s untold history and native identity. More than a tourist attraction, it is a cultural sanctuary offering a deeply immersive journey into Aruba’s roots.
In Episode CCCXI – “When Giants Roamed Aruba,” Etnia Nativa invites us to uncover a lesser-known era—prehistoric Aruba. Over 12,000 years ago, the island was a verdant paradise filled with now-extinct plant life and massive creatures like giant armadillos, saber-toothed cats, and native horses. Skilled Paleo hunters from South America arrived in this lush wilderness, thriving amidst rainforests, mangrove-lined coasts, and wetlands teeming with biodiversity.
Sites like Commandeursbaai and the lost bay of Taratata once welcomed these early settlers. Fascinatingly, “Taratata” may connect to Venezuela’s “Taratara,” meaning “place of departure,” hinting at ancient migratory paths.
Today, Etnia Nativa tells these forgotten stories while preserving Aruba’s mestizo heritage. Founded in 1994, this privately run space has played a major role in establishing the National Park, the Archaeological Museum, and artisan foundations across the island.
By visiting Etnia Nativa, you don’t just tour a museum—you step into the living memory of a people, a land, and a time when giants roamed Aruba.
Photo credits : https://www.arubatoday.com/episode-cccxi-311-when-giants-roamed-aruba/
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