Note Type
Historical NoteNote
Olive jars are considered the ‘signature’ or ‘foot print’ of a Spanish wreck site and changed very little in appearance from the early 16th century to the late 19th century. This jar was broken in thirty pieces when it was recovered. One shipwreck in particular, La Viga, wrecked on the western reefs of Bermuda in the fall of 1639, contained seven jars in a variety of styles, which were in use throughout the period 1550-1800. Olive jars were used to carry an assortment of goods such as wine, creosote to silver coins.