The current work in the west corner of Room 5, which lies behind Room 1,
has resulted in copious amounts of artifacts being recovered. Not only have
more artifacts been found, but the items are larger in size than in other
areas. Of note, we found two large, conjoinable rim pieces of a type of olive
jar. Tigether, they are approximately 9 inches in length and include a portion
of the top lip.
   A peculiar pattern has become apparent concerning artifact recovery, in
particular maiolicas and Englishwares (transferwares, etc.), in the rooms. The
rooms at the presidio that date from its earlier period (1775-1800) continue
to produce almost exclusively artifacts from the specific period. These are
the rooms that line the plaza. On the other hand, rooms that were added behind
those when the presidio was being expanded have a mix of artifacts dating
throughout the presidio's period of use. Perhaps the rooms lining the plaza
changed their function through time.
   Another testament to the well-preserved nature of the San Diego Presidio
resides in the fact that a chevron bead was recovered in a doorway here last
Thursday. This is possibly only the third such bead found in California. As
Clement Meighan writes, "The star or chevron glass bead is one of the most
distinctive time-markers in New World archaeological sites and is an important
indication of trade relationships in the 16th century. These early glass beads
were produced in Venice and tend to be large (up to an inch or so in length).
They are made of multiple layers of glass and the ends are usually cut in
facets so that the appearance is that of a blue bead with banded
red-white-and-blue ends. Viewed from the end, the facets cause the colored
bands to form 'stars' or 'chevrons,' thus giving rise to the name of the
bead." (Meighan 1981). The bead found here is 18mm in length, and is a
considerable anomaly for the site, as the San Diego presidio dates from 1769
to the 1830s, and this type of bead dates from the 1500s to the 1650s. Some
possible reasons why it might be here are that it could be an heirloom kept
and lost at the presidio, it could be an artifact from an earlier expedition
(Cabrillo's visit even!), or it might be a result of the Manila galleons
coming back from the Philippines to illegaly trade with Native Americans. Does
anyone have any suggestions as to why else it might be here? Has anyone else
found evidence of chevron beads in California?
 
REFERENCE: Meighan, Clement W. (1981). "Chevron Beads in California," THE
MASTERKEY, vol.55(1):27.
 
Anita Cohen-Williams; Reference Services; Hayden Library
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ  85287-1006
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