Boston Common: Red Clay Shard

While working on the Boston Common site yesterday at Boston's Archaeology Department, I came across a very interesting shard. On first sight, it appeared to be an English-style creamware product with a red earthenware body. If this is the case, it is extremely unique. It was found within an eighteenth century site - most of which appeared on the surface (without further research) to be period English-made products.

Much of Boston Common is filled-in land, and determining the shards origin will be near impossible, but it does open up for an interesting discussion.

The redware shard was mixed in with period black glass, creamware, pearlware, lead glazed redware, transfer decorated whiteware & pearlware and plain whiteware. I was fascinated when I came across the shard. I didn't really know what to think of it. I have never previously seen anything like it.

After speaking with Boston City Archaeologist, Joe Bagley - we believe it could be a very small sample of some-kind of redware vessel, but it is debatable - and of course, redware would make the most sense. The creamware appearance may actually be slip decoration, regardless of what it actually is - it certainly is interesting to examine. What do you think!?