Books and recordkeeping were important in Spanish colonial daily life, but evidence is rare at archaeological sites. These books clasps may have secured important documents, bibles or other books.
Story
These are 16th-century book clasps from the sites of Puerto Real, Haiti and Nueva Cádiz, Venezuela. Books and record keeping were very important in the daily lives and activities of the Spanish. They would keep records of economic activity, births, deaths, baptisms and bountiful legal records as well. It’s very rare to find them on archaeological sites and these particular clasps may have been used for Bibles or other books, or to secure important documents.
Gifford Waters
Collection Manager, Historical Archaeology
Florida Museum of Natural History
Summary
Spanish Book Clasps
From Puerto Real, Haiti and Nueva Cádiz, Venezuela
Dates to 16th century
Exhibit Area
Theme
Spanish Colonial Archaeology