Dave:

I did some archeological work in Sitka back in the early 1980's, so spent a
lot of time reading up on the Russians in Alaska. Following up on Ron May's
observation that your jar looks like a Spanish olive jar recycled as a
water jar: the Russian American Company suffered throughout its tenure in
Alaska from poor supply networks to Russia. My excavations in Sitka yielded
mostly British material culture, because the Russians depended heavily on
the Hudson's Bay Company for supplies. They also had some trade agreements
with the Spanish before the Mexican Revolution, and their settlement at
Fort Ross in California provided much of the foodstuffs for the Alaskan
outposts.

It is very likely that your jar came to Alaska via the Russian American
Company, through their Fort Ross settlement and trade agreements with the
Spanish.

Let me know if you need some specific references to follow-up. I know Glenn
Ferris, for instance, has done a lot of archeological work at Fort Ross,
and may be able to steer you down that path, if you like.


Cathy Spude
(aka Cathy Blee)
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