For gentlemen of capacity and leisure: the archaeology of colonial newspapers

This chapter addresses the use of colonial newspapers in historical archaeology. Emphasis is placed upon their use for both analytical and interpretive purposes. Ceramic advertisements are shown to have demonstrated value for refining dating techniques. The remainder of the chapter deals with the issue of womens' roles in colonial society and how newspapers can contribute to archaeologists' attempts to investigate the emic parameters of such an issue. It is also argued that the relationship between women's status and material culture can be further explored for use in studies of other complex societies. -from Author