Glowing Glass: Using Ultra-Violet Radiation on Glass to Identify the International Trade Networks of a 17th to 19th North American Fishing Site

Summary

Smuttynose Island, Maine is a well preserved fishing site that documents approximately 200 years of occupation divided into two distinct fishing periods with different political structures.  The first, independently operated (1640-1720) and the second, under single ownership (1760-1830). This project focuses on examining the glass related to the fishing site. By creating a timeline of when specific glass manufacturing techniques were utilized, I am able to group glass by fishing period. This grouping highlights how political structures influenced the economic and social environment of Smuttynose and the trade networks which contributed to the importation of glass. Historical records show that Smuttynose would trade with countries prohibited by the English colonial system. By testing colorless glass under ultra-violet radiation, I am able to identify if it is of English origin through the impurities presented from light emissions. This allows me to understand the extent of English control over trade on Smuttynose.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2013   •
• Household Objects: Approaches to Material Culture Analysis

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 393