February 2015: Examining the Contents of a Late 18th Century Enslaved African’s Lockbox from Spring Bay Flat, Saba, Dutch Caribbean
The EUROTAST fellows will be presenting the findings of their research at the upcomingGenetics/Heritage conference, 23-25 April at the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool. Deadline for submission has been extended to March 15. To submit a paper or to attend the conference, visit the Genetics/Heritage website.
Title: Examining the Contents of a Late 18th Century Enslaved African’s Lockbox from Spring Bay Flat, Saba, Dutch Caribbean
Authors: Ryan Espersen and Jason Laffoon
Abstract:
An assortment of shell, faunal remains, wrought nails, and five human teeth were recovered from the remains of a small lockbox from an enslaved African domestic context at the former Spring Bay Flat sugar plantation in Saba, Dutch Caribbean. Dental analysis indicated that the teeth derived from a single person. Strontium, carbon, and oxygen isotope analysis was conducted on the dental enamel from each tooth. The combined isotope results are consistent with natal origins in Africa, and subsequent (forced) migration to Saba in late childhood (~9-12 years of age). The context provided by these analyses suggests that this is a collection of goods imbued with ritual or mortuary significance involving a first generation enslaved African.
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