| One of the more problematic ceramic wares excavated at seventeenth-century Ferryland is that called "South Somerset". Problems associated with identification of this ceramic type are addressed here. The "South Somerset" collection has been reexamined, identifying four separate ware types from Somerset and Dorset: South Somerset-type, West Somerset-type, East Somerset-type, and Verwood-type. The frequencies of occurrence for these ceramic wares provide more evidence and information on the use on the functional and social use of particular ceramic. Using archaeological evidence from St. John's and Renews as comparisons, the occurrence and frequency of these ceramic wares at Ferryland provides insight into the trade of ceramics to seventeenth-century to Ferryland and Newfoundland. The roles particular ports played in the trade and fishery, whether sack ships or fishing ships shipped material culture such as ceramics, and possible changes in trade patterns throughout the century are all issues that have been examined using the Somerset and Dorset ceramic collections from seventeenth-century Ferryland. |
