Common Artifact Types (2/2)

Glass beads were made in Europe and traded by Virginians to the Occaneechi, who used them in necklaces and bracelets and to decorate their clothing. The presence of glass beads is a tell-tale sign of contact with Europeans; however, they may not be found by excavators unless a very fine mesh is used to screen the soil.

Glass fragments were frequently found at the Fredricks site. Those contemporary with Occaneechi Town are usually dark green in color and have heavily weathered surfaces.

The trade with Virginia provided the Occaneechi with flintlock muskets and pistols. Use of such firearms is reflected by the occurrence of numerous gunflints made of European, honey-colored flint.

Lead Shot: the trade with Virginia provided the Occaneechi with flintlock muskets and pistols. Ammunition for such weapons comprised small, spherical pieces of lead shot, many of which were found at the site.

Potsherds are fragments of fired-clay cooking and storage pots that were made and used by the Occaneechi. Some potsherds predate Occaneechi Town, while others (usually glazed) date after the mid-1700s when the town of Hillsborough was established

Shell Beads: the Occaneechi used small beads made of marine shell to decorate their clothing and as jewelry. These were partially replaced by European-made glass beads.