Small Finds

Historical archaeologists often use the phrase “Small Finds” to discuss miscellaneous objects that are not found on excavations in large quantities, the way ceramics, glass, architectural debris, and faunal remains often are. Small finds can be problematic to use in archaeological analyses because they vary greatly and it is often difficult to find publications that provide information about them. This website is designed to help fill that void by providing details about the chronology, function, manufacture, etc., of small finds recovered in Maryland. Our hope is that this website will increase the value of these objects for site interpretation.

We have begun the Small Finds category with Leather Ornaments, the decorative metal pieces commonly used on leather accessories or horse tack. As time and funding permits, we plan to expand the Diagnostic Artifacts website to include a variety of other small finds from Maryland’s archaeological sites.