Archaeobotanical analysis and interpretations of enslaved Virginian plant use at Rich Neck plantation (44WB52)

American Antiquity

Volume 73, Issue 4, October 2008, Pages 699-728

\

Mrozowski, S.A.^a, 

Franklin, M.^b, 

Hunt, L.^a

 

^a  Andrew Fiske Memorial Center for Archaeological Research, Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125, United States
^b  Department of Anthropology, 1 University Station, C3200, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, United States 

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Abstract

Archaeobotanical analysis remains one of the least-utilized strategies for investigating the lifeways of African diasporic peoples despite the fact that the field of African diaspora archaeology has grown exponentially over the last 30 years. We consider the botanical remains from the Rich Neck Slave Quarter site as constituting a significant line of evidence for illuminating the nature ofplant use among enslaved Afro-Virginians. As a result of the ambitious flotation program undertaken during the excavation of the Rich Neck site, the botanical assemblage provides evidence allowing for interpretations of the role of plants in enslaved subsistence and potential medicinal practices. Our research illustrates that Afro-Virginians actively participated in the creation of cultural practices related to plant use, and strategically shifted their production activities in response to both internal and external factors that influenced their lives within the context of plantation slavery. Copyright © 2008 by the Society for American Archaeology.

ISSN: 00027316Source Type: Journal Original language: English

Document Type: Article

References (137)

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  Mrozowski, S. A.; Andrew Fiske Memorial Center for Archaeological Research, Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125, United States
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