(Painting by Sidney E. King.)]
PLASTER AND MORTAR
Plaster and mortar have been found at Jamestown in abundance. It appears
that the majority of brick houses and many frame structures had
plastered walls and ceilings after 1635. Some plaster found had been
whitewashed, while other plaster bore its natural whitish-gray color.
Mortar was found wherever brick foundations were located. The plaster
and mortar used at Jamestown was made from oystershell lime, sand, and
clay.
ORNAMENTAL PLASTERWORK
Ornamental plaster was found in a few of the excavations. The
plasterwork was done in raised ornamental designs used for enhancing the
beauty of both the interior and exterior of a building. Designs that
have been found include Roman numerals, letters, mottos, crests, veined
leaves, rosettes, flowers, geometric designs, a lion, and a face or
mask. Many fragments of molded plaster cornices have also been
excavated. Broken oyster shells are distinguishable in the decorated
plasterwork, indicating that the pargeting was done at Jamestown.
House Furnishings
Busy conquering a stubborn wilderness, the first Jamestown settlers had
only a few things to make their houses cosy and cheerful. In most cases,
their worldly goods consisted of a few cooking utensils, a change of
clothing, a weapon or two, and a few pieces of homemade furniture.
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