Finding Lived Experiences in Historic Zooarchaeological Museum Collections: A Brief Case Study from Jamestown,Virginia

Abstract

Zooarchaeological collections are found commonly in archaeological and historic institutions, but they often have varying levels of analysis from museum to museum. This paper seeks to reflect on the power of analyzing zooarchaeological collections to better understand lived experiences of the past through a case study from Jamestown Rediscovery. The faunal analysis of the First Well, a feature dating to a period of extreme dietary stress for the colonists, has uncovered a new species of animal that provides more insight into the lives and interests of the colonists on their way to and at Jamestown. I argue that the analysis of zooarchaeological remains from museum collections is a viable options for historic sites and institutions to better understand the lives of past peoples and restore agency and memory.