Porcelain

Artifacts in Focus: Dunham House Assemblage (April 1, 2020)

4-1-20 Dunham.jpeg

More from the ASNJ’s Dunham House archaeological excavation last summer! This is a selection of artifacts that date from the 18th century and are associated with the Samuel Barron household from 1750-1801.

They include (top row) two buckles, a pin, a bone fan blade for a lady's hand fan, a knife, a chisel, a fragment of Morgan Pottery stoneware with a watch spring motif and a tobacco pipe stem; (bottom row) North Midlands hollowware, white salt glazed stoneware plate, dipped white salted glazed stoneware mug, porcelain with landscape motif, manganese mottled mug, and tin glazed earthenware plate. 

The assemblage represents a mix of imported goods and locally produced ceramics. Items like the fan blade, also highlight a household of wealth. Pins, like the one in the image, were used to fasten clothing and paper together and represented the 18th-century equivalent of the modern-day paper clip and velcro. Buckles, like the two in the image, were abound in the 18th century and used to fasten pants, shoes, stockings, leather straps, satchels, luggage, etc. 

📸: Michael Gall

Artifacts in Focus: Porcelain Saucer (January 29, 2020)

We have a rare treat for you this week! We received two submissions of the same artifact by two different individuals, showing the moment it was discovered in the field and the moment it was pieced back together after the excavation.

This porcelain saucer was made between the 1750s and 1790s, and was found in a context dated to 1801 at the Dunham House in Woodbridge, NJ during the society’s recent research excavation in September 2019. The saucer was used by the Barron Family, who occupied the house until 1870.

The Barron name was an important one in town, as the family was one of the first to settle in Woodbridge in the late seventeenth century. Well known for their patriotism and philanthropy, the Barrons made many contributions to their country and town.

You can learn more about the Barron family and the history of Woodbridge here: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/935/Woodbridge-Walking-Tour-Map---Volume-I-PDF.

Learn more about ASNJ field excavations here, and keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to dig! https://www.asnj.org/volunteer-digs

👀: Discovered by Joshua Butchko
🍽: Reassembled by Michael Gall