Accession Number

1986.008.0842

Creation Date

circa 1620

Description

A majolica mortar from the wreck of the 1622 galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha. The interior of this fine-grade earthenware piece is covered with a tin-based, blue-gray enamel, as is the upper portion of the exterior. Considering the softness of both the enamel and the ceramic paste, this mortar likely served for lighter-duty uses – perhaps the compounding of spices or medicines. An indentation at the interior of the rim was either a spout or a resting spot for a pestle. The mortar is 12.5 centimeters tall.

Exhibition Label

Case Caption (2023):

HOUSEHOLD CERAMICS

Pottery in all its forms was made throughout South America since pre-historic times. It was often painted or decorated with incised designs, but glazing was unknown. Archaeological evidence indicates that Indigenous potters adopted glazing from European artisans once they learned the process. They also freely adapted European designs for their own ceramics while producing dinnerware and other basic forms useful to the colonists.

Most of the ceramics found on the 1622 fleet were made in Spain. However, in the colonies, Panama became particularly known for its production of majolica (tin-glazed ceramics), and there was also a major pottery in Lima.
Object Caption (2023):

Mortar
Majolica (c.1620)
Gift of Jamestown Inc.
1986.008.0842