(a-coarse earthenware, b-American blue and gray stoneware jar, c-dipped polychrome pearlware holloware, d-painted blue pearlware holloware, e-f-shell-edged pearlware plates)
The ceramics from the site represent a common assemblage of household hollowares and tablewares. Hollowares are typically bowls, cups, dishes, and other containers whereas tablewares tend to be plates, saucers, and other relatively flat ceramics. The stoneware jug, from which example b came, were ubiquitous throughout American homes. These earthenwares were made in various places throughout the east coast throughout the 19th century.
Examples e and f are also commonly found items on 19th century sites. Manufacture dates for this ceramic type span roughly 1780-1840. These two sherds are from serving plates.
Coarse earthenware, such as with example a, is also a ubiquitous ceramic type with dozens of local kilns producing this type throughout the 18th and into the 19th century. Cheap and easily accessible, coarse earthenwares typically are associated with lesser status and/or come from areas of sites where functional duties are performed such as kitchens, dairies, etc.
Examples c and d typify a moderate amount of status associated with this ceramic group. The handpainted pearlware cup or mug (d) and the colorful pearlware container both would have cost considerably more than a cruder duplicate made from a less-refined earthenware. |
