THE ENGLISH MERCHANTS’ SETTLEMENT IN ŠVENTOJI: AN ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE ARTEFACTS

Abstract

A settlement was established by English merchants in Sventoji in the second half of the 17th century. The rich collection of artefacts and historic documents distinctly suggests the daily life of merchants. In this paper, the artefacts are assessed as indicators of the cultural and personal identity. Most of the finds were imported, and not locally produced. Their provenance, if possible, was identified and associated with manufacturing centres by using a comparative method. Ceramic dishes, glass vessels and cutlery represent merchants’ dining traditions and habits, while personal belongings can be associated with the presentation of social status or individual expression. Key words: archaeology of the early modern period, Sventoji, English merchants, tableware, personal belongings, cultural identity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15181/ab.v23i0.1308