A socioeconomic interpretation of 19th century archaeological ceramics found at contemporaneous, culturally diverse sites on ballast point in San Diego, California

This thesis assesses the degree to which the type, form, and function of 19th century ceramics recovered from archaeological sites on Ballast Point reflect ethnic identities of their owners. A dualistic approach is employed to determine whether culture or economy played a greater role in influencing the acquisition of ceramic goods at these sites. Comparisons are drawn from contemporaneous deposits associated with a Chinese fishing camp (Trench 2), and a European American whaling operation (Trench 6) excavated from the Ballast Point Lighthouse site (BPLH) during the 1991 and 1992 field seasons of the Fort Guijarros Project. This thesis reconstructs a complex history of the social and economic relationships among people inhabiting Point Loma and exploiting its marine resources during the second half of the 19th century.