SMALL FINDS
Historical archaeologists often use the phrase “Small Finds” to discuss miscellaneous objects that are not found in large quantities on excavations, in contrast to artifacts like ceramics, glass, and architectural debris. Some small finds are well-documented and diagnostic, but others have not yet been studied in great detail. Each section within the Small Finds portion of this website is therefore custom formatted to address what we know about the artifact category in question. |
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Bodkins:
Large blunt needles used for threading ribbons and laces through clothing and hair. |
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Marbles:
Marbles are one of the most common toys found on North American historic period archaeological sites.
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Bone Handled Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes were not in common, widespread use in North America until the twentieth century. |
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Religious Artifacts:
Any artifacts that were made with some kind of religious symbolism in mind, such as saint medals, crosses, etc. |
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Bottle Seals:
Bottles to which stamped glass seals have been affixed, typically round in shape, bear identifying marks of individuals, taverns, merchants, vintners, or manufacturers.
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Smoker's Companions:
Tools used by 17th and 18th-century pipe smokers for packing, lighting, and cleaning pipes.
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Bridle Bosses:
Decorative metal attachments for curb bits that conceal the area where the bit's mouth-pieces and cheek pieces attach. |
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Spurs:
Spurs were designed as tools worn on one's heel to aid in horseback riding, but non-riders might also have worn them as fashion accessories. |
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Leather Ornaments:
Decorative metal pieces that attached to horse tack and possibly other leather goods. |
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Stirrups
Stirrups are foot supports for horse riders. They are usually made of metal or wood and they hang from a saddle on straps known as stirrup leathers. |
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Linked Buttons, Cufflinks, and Studs:
Closures for clothing that were not permanently attached or sewn to a garment. |
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Toys and Games The toys and game pieces are divided by material type – ceramic, metal, wood and other. |