New York African Burial Ground Archaeology Final Report, Volume 1. Chapter 10. Coffins

Author(s): Jean Howson; Leonard G. Bianchi

Year: 2006

Summary

Coffin remains (wood and hardware) were by far the most ubiquitous artifacts recovered from graves at the African Burial Ground. In this chapter we report on the distribution of coffins among demographic and temporal groups and examine the historical context for coffin use. We then provide descriptive information on the shapes, sizes, material, construction, and decoration of coffins represented at the excavated cemetery. Finally, we describe the material remains that were recovered from coffins, and their treatment, identification, and quantification.

Cite this Record

New York African Burial Ground Archaeology Final Report, Volume 1. Chapter 10. Coffins. Jean Howson, Leonard G. Bianchi. In New York African Burial Ground Archaeology Final Report, Volume 1. Pp. 250-287. Washington, D.C.: Howard University. 2006 ( tDAR id: 5649) ; doi:10.6067/XCV83F4N90

URL: http://www.africanburialground.gov/FinalReports/Archaeology/ABG_Ch10FEB.pdf


Keywords

Culture
African American • Historic

Material
Human Remains • Wood

Site Type
Cemetery • Funerary and Burial Structures or Features

Investigation Types
Data Recovery / Excavation

General
Coffins

Geographic Keywords
Manhattan • New York

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: 1640 to 1800

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contributor(s): Lucena Narvaez; Janet L. Woodruff

File Information

  Name Size Creation Date Date Uploaded Access
abg_ch10feb.pdf 2.92mb Dec 7, 2010 9:54:30 AM Public