Using Ceramics to Understand MSU
Hi, my name is Circe Wilson and I am the new intern for the Campus Archaeology Program, Spring 2012. I am a junior at Michigan State University and plan to graduate next Spring with a Bachelors in Anthropology, a minor in art history and a specialization certificate in Museum Studies. This is my first internship opportunity. I hope to some day pursue a career in the field of archaeology. That’s why I wanted to be involved in this program when I first heard about it over a year ago, when I first transferred to MSU. As an intern I will develop the skills and experience needed in the field by assisting in lab work, excavations, and conducting a research project of my own.
My personal research project will bring a better understanding to the question, “What does the different types of ceramics reveal about early Michigan State University campus residents?” To answer this, I will need to know the different types of ceramics and where were they found during the Campus Archaeology Program’s summer field school. I would also need background information about the people who lived in the area. Then I could make assumptions about those who lived there based on the different types of ceramics they’ve used and what they were used for and how I equate this with socioeconomic status.
Knowing very little about ceramics, the first step I had to take was to engage myself in research through reading. Katy Meyers, the current Campus Archaeologist lent me Noel Ivor Hume’s A Guide to Artifacts of Colonial America and Rice M. Prudence’s Pottery Analysis. In my readings, I’ve learned that the three most common types of ceramics found in the west are stoneware, earthenware and porcelain. There are several ways to tell the differences between them, by using our eyes, hands, and the “tongue test.” Stoneware is found in most kitchens. It’s usually glazed. It also feels denser when you pick it up. The color ranges from tan to brown. It does not chip easily, is textured and looks like pottery. Earthenware is very common, its color ranges from white to yellow. It is usually glazed and decorated. It can stick to the tongue. It chips easily, feels rough and chalky. Porcelain is usually thin, translucent, decorated, can be expensive but does not stick to the tongue. Stoneware is water tight, can withstand high and low temperatures, and is for the household. Earthenware is not water tight, can not withstand high and low temperatures, and its purpose is more for decoration. The more refined the decoration for porcelain or earthenware, the more expensive the ware, this can give me a idea on the previous owner’s economic status.
Next I will analyze the ceramics (from the summer Campus Archaeology field schools) that are curated in the anthropology labs. I will apply what I’ve learned as well as using the help of Pottery analysis, to be able to tell apart the different ceramics using the sight and texture test. I would also be able to guess their former worth based on their decoration or refinement. By determining the types of ceramics, I can conclude what they were used for such as form or function. I know little about the locations where these ceramics were found so I will also be conducting research on the background on the locations. I will be looking for information such as the people who lived there, the buildings that stood in the area, etc. I will then be able to come up with ideas about what the ceramics can tell me about early campus residents and their socioeconomic status. There will be various variables to consider when investigating the context of these ceramics but I look forward to conducting further research and sharing future results. Until then, time for me to start digging.
Author: Circe