Household Ceramics at Port Royal, Jamaica, 1655-1692

Download or read book Household Ceramics at Port Royal, Jamaica, 1655-1692 written by Madeleine J. Donachie and published by BAR International Series. This book was released on 2003 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 1692 an earthquake destroyed and submerged half of the Jamaican city of Port Royal, a thriving and prosperous commercial centre in the late 17th century. From 1981 to 1990 the Institute of Nautical Archaeology and the Texas A & M University in conjunction with the Jamaican National Heritage Trust conducted an underwater excavation of the city's remains. This volume publishes some of the ceramic data from the site, namely Building 4/5 which Donachie identifies as a possible inn or restaurant. The different types of ceramics present, from coarsewares to porcelain, their quantities and function, are discussed with a view to reconstructing the social activities taking place in the building as well as allowing inferences on the standard of living and customs of the city as a whole. Comparative material from two contemporary non-Jamaican sites are discussed and the assemblage is placed within the context of British and local pottery production during this period.