Two hazel nut fragments.

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View Larger Two hazel nut fragments.

Notes

Two burnt hazel nut fragments. Latin name: Corylus sp. Hazel trees were native to the northern hemisphere and Colonists brought European varieties to North America. Hazel nuts were used to treat wounds and to expel parasites. (McKnight, Justine W. 2015. "A Study of Macro-botanical Remains Recovered from the House for Families at George Washington?s Mount Vernon 44FX762/40 and 44FX762/47.")

Object Type

All Other Artifacts All Other Artifacts

Has it Been Conserved?

No

Where Was It Found?

Project Site: House for Families    [more details]

Material

Organic

Manufacturing Technology

Natural

Form

Nut, Hazel

Completeness

Incomplete

Date

18th Century

Country of Origin

United States

Dimensions

5.75mm x 2mm x 7.94mm (W x H x L)


Illustration shows object in comparison to the size of a quarter

Object Number

1885511

DAACS Number

1885511

Project: House for Families

The structure identified as the “House for Families” on the 1787 Vaughan plan likely housed the majority of the enslaved population living at the Mansion House Farm for much of the second half of the eighteenth century. The building was in existence from circa 1760 until it was demolished in late 1792 or early 1793. The archaeological evidence for the structure consisted of a brick-lined storage cellar (44FX762/40-47) measuring roughly six feet by six feet. Historically the cellar served as a handy trash receptacle once it ceased to be used for its original storage function, and through extensive excavation has yielded an extremely rich assemblage of household refuse. The analysis of these remains offers the opportunity to study important aspects of the daily lives of Mount Vernon's enslaved community.

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Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.
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