Lay of the Land

The Science Of Recognizing Magic

Historical archaeology is playing a larger and larger role in the understanding of America’s past. The relatively new sub-discipline combines traditional documentary research with archaeology. In this issue, we examine the role of magic in the nation’s early history. (See ”Unearthing Magic,” page 19.) When it comes to slaves, the historical record is notably scrawny. We know next to nothing of their religious and historical ties to Africa. Until recently, most scholars just assumed that was all left behind when the slaves were wrenched from their native land.

Not so, it seems. Archaeological finds confirm that American slaves maintained many of their African religious beliefs, even if they had to hide them from Christian masters. Magical, or more properly, religious bundles and charms are being discovered wherever slaves lived, now that archaeologists have learned how to recognize them. Their use persists into the 20th century.

European immigrants also brought folk beliefs with them to the New World. Magical remedies were prevalent among the Irish and the Germans. Historical accounts are rare, so the archaeological evidence is extremely important, even if it is hard to identify. As the evidence mounts, archaeologists will be better able to recognize religious and magical objects they find. Historical archaeology has come a long way, and its future is bound to enhance our understanding of American lifestyles.

Mark Michel, President