2.3 Chronology

Well over half of the beads considered in this study are associated with features dating to the Fort Period (1607-1623). Another 20% of the collection are from Post-Fort Period features (1624-1660). The remaining beads are either from mixed contexts, like plowzone, or proveniences filled during both periods. Bead proportions contained significant temporal distinctions. Five varieties that occurred exclusively in Fort-Period contexts included: circular navy blue (IIa56), chevron (IIIm1), the single frit-cored variety, quartz crystal, and carnelian. Turquoise and navy blue nueva cadiz-like (IIIc1 and IIIc3), cone-shaped yellow (WI*), and those similar to seven oaks gilded molded (WIIe*) dropped proportionately from Fort Period to Post-Fort Period. Robin's-egg blue (IIa40), round white (IIa13), and gooseberry (IIb18) increased significantly during the Post-Fort Period. Overall, most of the bead varieties traditionally associated with 16^th-century Spanish assemblages found at Jamestown were exclusive to or dominant in the Fort-Period assemblage. Likewise, many of the bead types not associated with early Spanish collections were seen more often and in greater quantity in Post-Fort contexts.