Archaeologists in Newfoundland’s eastern region recently made a significant discovery by unearthing seven wampum beads at the Colony of Avalon in Ferryland, believed to be the first of their kind found in the province. Calum Brydon, a graduate student in archaeology at Memorial University, stumbled upon the beads during excavations at the historic site where early Newfoundland governor Baron George Calvert of Baltimore once resided.
Wampum beads are cylindrical ornaments made from quahog and whelk shells, traditionally used by Indigenous peoples in northeastern North America for ceremonial purposes and as mnemonic devices to record cultural traditions and laws. These beads also served as currency and trade items, suggesting possible interactions with English and Dutch merchants at the Colony of Avalon.
Barry Gaulton, a professor of archaeology at Memorial University, emphasized the significance of this discovery in shedding light on the 17th-century life at the settlement, originally established as a refuge for Roman Catholics escaping persecution in England. The findings challenge the common perception of Ferryland as an isolated fishing village, revealing its historical connections with diverse cultures across North America and Europe.
Since excavations began in 1992, almost two million artifacts have been unearthed at the site, including valuable items like gold coins and a copper crucifix. Gaulton highlighted the continuous influx of new discoveries each dig season, underscoring the meticulous process involving trowel excavation and soil sifting through fine mesh screens.
This summer’s excavations at the Colony of Avalon have been particularly fruitful, uncovering unexpected artifacts like gaming pieces and structural remains that reshape researchers’ understanding of the colony’s layout and activities. Brydon’s discovery in the cold storage area, where hidden walls were also revealed, exemplifies the ongoing exploration and revelations at this historically rich site.
The unique preservation of stone structures and the abundance of well-preserved artifacts make the Colony of Avalon a remarkable site for archaeological study, according to Brydon. These continuous discoveries not only enhance scholarly knowledge but also offer a glimpse into the daily lives and cultural exchanges that once thrived in this early European settlement.
