AFRICAN-AMERICAN HOUSEHOLDS FROM MANASSAS NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK
Finding Identity Through Material Culture The Nash Site
Differences in the material culture of the Robinson and Nash sites illustrate the diversity within the African-American community in this area. Unlike the Robinson House artifacts, there were a variety of artifacts found at the Nash site that may indicate the practice of a traditional African religion. While quartz crystals, blue beads, buttons, colonoware, and marine shells are often found on slave sites which date to the early-to-mid nineteenth century, the presence of these items at the Nash site suggests these practices were maintained by free African-Americans born in the United States through the late nineteenth century. Continuing this tradition may have created an ethnic subculture which promoted individuality, pride, and courage to live in a world defined by white members of the community.
Last Updated: Dec 3, 1998
