Abstract
This research is situated within the field of historical archaeology and uses a methodology combining archaeological excavation evidence with documentary records. Themes pertinent to the thesis include colonialism, capitalism, consumption, identity, material culture and materiality. The research focuses on a neglected pottery type in Ulster – glazed coarse earthenware. It begins with an appraisal of the evidence for pottery production in Ulster from the medieval period, through to the nineteenth century, then moves on to examine the production and consumption of glazed coarse earthenware. The pottery production site of Killyneese, Co. Londonderry forms a central case study including a detailed report augmented by a database and illustrations. The analysis of over two-hundred ceramic assemblages was carried out to help understand patterns relating to glazed coarse earthenware including its consumption, distribution patterns and regional variations.This thesis contains original research which contributes significant new knowledge to the field of post-medieval pottery studies in Ireland. The Killyneese pottery production site and the ceramic assemblages from excavations provide only a small glimpse of the rich material culture of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Ulster. Plantation-era Ireland witnessed a convergence of societies, creating complex identities which were reflected in contemporary material culture. The thesis concludes with a discussion of identity, materiality and globalization, situating the research against the backdrop of migration and movement in the modern world.
Thesis embargoed until 31 December 2026.
Date of Award | Dec 2024 |
---|---|
Original language | English |
Awarding Institution |
|
Sponsors | AHRC Northern Bridge Consortium |
Supervisor | Colm Donnelly (Supervisor) & Dirk Brandherm (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- ceramics
- material culture
- identity
- colonialism
- Ulster
- Ireland
- early modern