The English Merchants’ Settlement in Šventoji: An Analysis and Interpretation of the Artefacts
Volume 23 (2016): The Sea and the Coastlands, pp. 214–224
Pub. online: 22 July 2016
Type: Article
Open Access
Received
29 January 2016
29 January 2016
Revised
7 March 2016
7 March 2016
Accepted
24 May 2016
24 May 2016
Published
22 July 2016
22 July 2016
Abstract
A settlement was established by English merchants in Šventoji in the second half of the 17th century. The rich collection of artefacts and historic documents distinctly suggests the daily life of merchants. In this paper, the artefacts are assessed as indicators of the cultural and personal identity. Most of the finds were imported, and not locally produced. Their provenance, if possible, was identified and associated with manufacturing centres by using a comparative method. Ceramic dishes, glass vessels and cutlery represent merchants’ dining traditions and habits, while personal belongings can be associated with the presentation of social status or individual expression.