This object was found in an archeological excavation of a midden (refuse pit) at Old Fort Niagara, near the outlet of the Niagara River into Lake Ontario in the 2004 season.
Archeological conservation is focused on restoring stability and "readability" of an artifact for research, whereas the treatment of a decorative art object generally places more value on the final aesthetic appearance. This particular object is unique for several reasons. Firstly, no other examples are known to exist of this Shako imprinted with the "8" of the King's 8th Regiment, though it was certainly manufactured between 1812 and 1816 based on the overall pattern. Secondly, the time-line of control of Fort Niagara places this British artifact in the rubbish pit during a period of American occupation (1815 onwards). And thirdly, we found evidence of lead solder on the reverse of the object, where traditionally it would have been sewn to British soldier's hat. |
