Accession Number

1986.008.0606

Creation Date

circa 1615

Description

Plain cylindrical form, having a flat-molded base and rim, the sides mounted with hammered oval bosses flanked by two extant incised scrolling cartouches, inverted pierced cover surmounted by a plain ring finial; partially absent body. 

Exhibition Label

Case Caption (2023):

A COLONIST—GASPAR DE ROJAS

Gaspar de Rojas had immigrated to Peru with his family as a boy, and lived in Lima, where he had become a prominent merchant. He imported textiles and other manufactured goods from Europe and also traded in leather, wax, and fur. He was the agent responsible for a consignment of 100 silver ingots on the Santa Margarita, and 11 on the Nuestra Señora de Atocha.

De Rojas had risked the transatlantic voyage several times. Records state that in 1616 he returned to Peru from Spain accompanied by his bookkeeper and an enslaved mulatto man. In 1620, he sailed with an enslaved African named Felipe Biafra. Aboard the Santa Margarita, he was traveling with his nephew, don Francisco de Rojas. They both drowned in the shipwreck.
Object Caption (2023): 

Sand Shaker
Silver gilt (c. 1600)
Gift of Jamestown Inc.
1986.008.0606

Before blotting paper, sand was used to absorb surplus ink on a document.