During the excavation, archeologists identified18th and 19th century foundation walls, four privy pits and a wooden barrel-lined with trash pit. Approximately 27,000 artifacts were recovered during the dig of Dexter's lot. Subsequent analysis revealed that only the barrel-lined trash pit contained artifact deposits dating to Dexter's occupation. What can we learn about Dexter from these artifacts?
Archeologists recovered fragments of animal bones from the barrel-lined trash pit. Dexter's household enjoyed a broad diet that included beef, lamb, pork, fish and poultry. A significant portion of the bones represented more costly kinds of cuts of meat. In addition to the evidence of high end cuts of meat, archeologists also found pig's feet bones which was a common component in the diet of the enslaved. The pig's feet bones represent "comfort food" that probably evoked family and identity for the Dexter family.
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Last updated: February 26, 2015