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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Celluloid) In Archaeological Assemblages: Identification And Care, Megan E. Springate
Cellulose Nitrate Plastic (Celluloid) In Archaeological Assemblages: Identification And Care, Megan E. Springate
Megan E. Springate
Invented in the mid-19th century, cellulose nitrate (celluloid) is commonly regarded as the earliest synthetic polymer or plastic. As increasing numbers of historical sites dating from the mid-1800s are excavated, cellulose nitrate objects are more frequently found in archaeological assemblages. The inherent instability of cellulose nitrate makes proper handling, storage, and display conditions vital to the longevity of recovered objects. In this paper, the composition, manufacture, and means of identifying cellulose nitrate are summarized. The processes of degradation and means of slowing those processes through preventive conservation are also elaborated.
Some Brief Notes On The Tobacco Tag, Megan E. Springate
Some Brief Notes On The Tobacco Tag, Megan E. Springate
Megan E. Springate
Tobacco tags have been found on archaeological sites throughout North America, in shapes ranging from circles to ovals, rectangular with an embossed horse, stars and hearts. Tags recovered archaeologically are usually no more than a rusty bit of iron alloy with two triangular tines. Originally, however, these tags were enameled with bright colors and product information. The use of tobacco tags began in the United States in the 1870s. An overabundance of cheap chewing tobacco caused pipe smokers to switch to "chaw." Manufacturers developed the tag as a means of branding their plugs of tobacco.