Found under Slave Cabin Foundation

[Collers9640]

So I found this about 2 feet deep under a slave cabin brick foundation. It was tuck up underneath it the foundation on its side. It has a pig bone in it and some ash.
So this was either done on accident or on purpose.
If on purpose WHY?
Also does anyone know what this little copper pot was used for?

 

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[Mud Hut]

Was it found in Pennsylvania?

 

[Collers9640]

No South Carolina

 

[Collers9640]

Was it found in Pennsylvania?

No I found it in South Carolina

 

[Rmeav8r]

No way to know but the presence of the pig bone and ash could be related to superstition practices that used charms and amulets. This is from a book on early African American Slave practices.

Conjure, Christianity, and African American Supernatural Traditions

During the slavery period, persons believed to possess special powers were present in black populations throughout the United States, and African American practitioners of Christianity often mingled unusual practices with their traditions. African American testimonials describe how some slaves believed that the power of charms and amulets provided them with protection from abuse and racial subjugation by white slaveholders and affliction such as sickness and destitution. Supernatural practitioners often adopted symbols from Christian traditions for use in their own practices and rituals, such as protective charms and Christian accoutrements.

 

[Mud Hut]

Given the thickness, size, and style, my guess is an old mortar. Perhaps the bone was used as the pestle for grinding the ashes to make "ash cake."
Ashes were also used for medicinal purposes and toothpaste, etc.

 

[Collers9640]

No way to know but the presence of the pig bone and ash could be related to superstition practices that used charms and amulets. This is from a book on early African American Slave practices.

Conjure, Christianity, and African American Supernatural Traditions

During the slavery period, persons believed to possess special powers were present in black populations throughout the United States, and African American practitioners of Christianity often mingled unusual practices with their traditions. African American testimonials describe how some slaves believed that the power of charms and amulets provided them with protection from abuse and racial subjugation by white slaveholders and affliction such as sickness and destitution. Supernatural practitioners often adopted symbols from Christian traditions for use in their own practices and rituals, such as protective charms and Christian accoutrements.

I wonder if it was something along those lines.

 

[Collers9640]

Given the thickness, size, and style, my guess is an old mortar. Perhaps the bone was used as the pestle for grinding the ashes to make "ash cake."
Ashes were also used for medicinal purposes and toothpaste, etc.

Thank You for your reply...Good information

 

[Tesorodeoro]

No way to know but the presence of the pig bone and ash could be related to superstition practices that used charms and amulets. This is from a book on early African American Slave practices.

Conjure, Christianity, and African American Supernatural Traditions

During the slavery period, persons believed to possess special powers were present in black populations throughout the United States, and African American practitioners of Christianity often mingled unusual practices with their traditions. African American testimonials describe how some slaves believed that the power of charms and amulets provided them with protection from abuse and racial subjugation by white slaveholders and affliction such as sickness and destitution. Supernatural practitioners often adopted symbols from Christian traditions for use in their own practices and rituals, such as protective charms and Christian accoutrements.

I question anything having to do with race or religion that comes from California Universities.

Hope that’s not political. Have your read this publication, or is it something that was googled during brief research?

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

This piece reminds me of a crucible used for melting rock to test for gold or copper.
Dave

"A crucible is a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures. While crucibles historically were usually made from clay, it can be made from any material that withstands temperatures high enough to melt or otherwise alter its contents. Crucibles and their covers are made of high temperature-resistant materials, usually porcelain, alumina or an inert metal. One of the earliest uses of platinum was to make crucibles. Ceramics such as alumina, zirconia, and especially magnesia will tolerate the highest temperatures. More recently, metals such as nickel and zirconium have been used. The lids are typically loose-fitting to allow gases to escape during the heating of a sample inside. Crucibles and their lids can come in high form and low form shapes and in various sizes."

 

[pepperj]

Being machined, and made out of copper, the slot on the side might be for alignment.
The hole on the side, is there a similar one opposite on the other side?
Is there threads on inside lip?
Has the underside got a hole where the striker would be located?

Looks like a nose cone off some type of shell/mortar.

 

[DCMatt]

So far, nothing about it says "slave" to me.

Clean it up and take a few more pics from various angles, please.

 

[Tony in SC]

Great find!!! It does look like a machined piece. It could have been a Slave cabin, but Most all Slave cabins that I have seen were wood. Cook houses were likely brick. As far as the time period goes ( and something you don't hear much ) Is that many slaves stayed on plantation, or returned after the Yankees left. Some of the old cabins were in use until the 1900's.

So far, nothing about it says "slave" to me.

Clean it up and take a few more pics from various angles, please.

 

[Rmeav8r]

Yeah...that does sound political. When it’s a “What’s it” lots of ideas are tossed around. If you question anything that comes from one part of the country based on your “own views” that doesn’t help solve the mystery of the item.

I question anything having to do with race or religion that comes from California Universities.

Hope that’s not political. Have your read this publication, or is it something that was googled during brief research?

 

[villival]

I'm a born and bred New Orleanian and the first thought that popped in my head was voodoo. Just sayin.

 

[Collers9640]

This piece reminds me of a crucible used for melting rock to test for gold or copper.
Dave

"A crucible is a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures. While crucibles historically were usually made from clay, it can be made from any material that withstands temperatures high enough to melt or otherwise alter its contents. Crucibles and their covers are made of high temperature-resistant materials, usually porcelain, alumina or an inert metal. One of the earliest uses of platinum was to make crucibles. Ceramics such as alumina, zirconia, and especially magnesia will tolerate the highest temperatures. More recently, metals such as nickel and zirconium have been used. The lids are typically loose-fitting to allow gases to escape during the heating of a sample inside. Crucibles and their lids can come in high form and low form shapes and in various sizes."

did you notice the little rectangle shape slit it has for pouring.. could be a clue to what it is

 

[Collers9640]

Yes I has a hole on each side 180 degrees apart. I don’t know what to make of the little slit of them for pouring.
no there are no threads on the lip. And no there’s no hole on the underside

 

[Collers9640]

Great find!!! It does look like a machined piece. It could have been a Slave cabin, but Most all Slave cabins that I have seen were wood. Cook houses were likely brick. As far as the time period goes ( and something you don't hear much ) Is that many slaves stayed on plantation, or returned after the Yankees left. Some of the old cabins were in use until the 1900's.

I can’t speak for the up country but most slave cabins I come across have a brick foundation and a brick fireplace and the rest was wood so we’re even mud huts

 

[Fourman110]

Are you sure its copper? Based on the wall thickness I'd think would be bronze or brass as copper is most often in sheets and thinner. It definitely looks like either a pour spout or hole is on the upper part of the side and maybe the two slots that appear to be 90 degrees from the spout would maybe be handle attachment points. Any markings? Looks sort of like there may be decorative markings on the outside. Any feature (lip, threads, etc.) On the inside of the rim?