We all know historic archaeology is just about validating
the documented history of the American west, or do we? The important things
that happened in history are all written about, but almost always that is just
the highlights, the important moments in time.
Seldom are those important times what life was really about.
Those are just the short blips of time that happened between the long periods
of simply living. The day-to-day aspects of what was required to be alive when
those important events happened.
The reality is that
when we do an archaeological dig, we are far more likely to find the items of
everyday life than the items used during that short period of excitement. All
those items were noted for their importance and picked up at the time. What is
more likely to be left behind are the items considered mundane at the time. The
trick is that those items may not be mundane now. Depending on what the
location was, what trade the person may have been engaged in, etc…, those
mundane items will vary, but always give us more info about what happened on
the site.
Think of the stereotypical photo of the “prospector” you see
in all the Western movies. Name off as many of those items as you can… Great,
now did you list a pocket knife? How about a fixed blade belt knife? How about
a salt dish? How about a spatula? Or a Spoon, fork, bread pans, the staples of
life? All the items that once you think about your own life, know that the
prospector had with him, but are seldom if ever listed as items that would be
found at a site.
And don’t forget about the many items that were easily
procured at the local hardware store, but became very precious the farther one
went from civilization: Nails, hammers, pliers, files, copper rivets, even
thread and needles.
If we compare the list of items sold in a general store to
the list of items that prospector is said to have, you will see a lot of
missing items on the second list. It’s not that the prospector didn’t have or
use those items; it’s just that those items were considered mundane at the time
and unworthy of being written down. Those same items though tell us a
considerable amount about the prospector. How long he might have been planning
on staying (10 lbs worth of nails verses a hand full), his financial status
when he set out (new knives verses well worn knives), what his drink preferences were (lots of whiskey versus
bottles for root beer), the list is long.
The size of pans could tell us if it was a single person, a
small group, or an organized party with a designated cook making food for many.
So, while the “important” items might make the history
books, it’s the everyday items that will tell us about who the person (people)
were at any given site.
