Wednesday, 23 January 2008

Have you found any gold yet?

No, we haven't yet but here is a sample of the range of artefacts that can be found in one 1x1m square on Statia.



Mochaware, tin enamel ware, afro-Carribean ware (locally made by the slaves and traded by slaves), pearlware (willow pattern and polchrome), English salt glaze, burnished coarse earthenware, variety of glass bottles from France, England, Holland, Germany, metal nails and sheets (possibly for making musket balls), 18th century lead crystal wine glasses with a fancy swirl inside and of course, if you're very lucky...




blue beads. They were used for trade by the Dutch and apparently the slaves of Statia wore them as bead necklaces. However, when the slaves were set free they would throw their necklaces into the sea. People who find them washed up along the shores are allowed to keep them but they must return to Statia every year... So keep your eyes peeled!

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