An archaeological examination of ceramics from Mission San Lorenzo de la Santa Cruz (41RE1)

Excavations at Mission San Lorenzo de la Santa Cruz (41RE1) in modern-day Camp Wood, Texas were carried out in 2017 and 2018 by Texas Tech University and the Texas Archaeological Society. More often remembered for its failures than its successes, Mission San Lorenzo was an important part of Spain’s colonial efforts in Texas in spite of its short existence. Its eventual failure can arguably be seen as the beginning of the end of the missionary period in New Spain. The ceramic assemblage at the site offers a unique perspective into the daily lives of the mission’s inhabitants, and examination of the artifacts sheds light on how they were using their surroundings and attaining resources. Additionally, a comparison of ceramic sherds found at contemporary missions reveals differences that suggest San Lorenzo struggled to access goods.