So Many Disks, So Little Research: The Intersectionality of Modified Ceramic Sherds

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Scattered evidence across North America points to the use of a common piece of refuse and a common human desire: broken pottery and playing games. A small sherd can be transformed with minimal effort into a circular disk which can be used as game pieces, counters, or toys. They were used in indigenous sports, European colonist gambling, and as playthings by enslaved children, among many other contexts. Investigation of two likely disks found at a multi-component archaeological site in Somerset, Massachusetts yielded few relevant results; as such, their varied origins and transformations over time may be richer and more complex than is currently understood. This paper explores the untapped research potential of these enigmatic artifacts, especially in New England. With further study into the use and prevalence of modified sherds such as these, we can broaden our understanding of material interactions with cultural dynamics. Class, race, and gender show up in every area of life– even the small, broken pieces.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 41663.0