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Writer's pictureCatherine Losier

Artefact of the Week Series: Basque Tiles, From Roofs to Ballasts

One of the many interesting artifacts found during our excavations is the Basque tile! These tiles have been found in several test pits on Turpin’s Island and date all the way back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The clay tiles, initially intended for roofing, were repurposed by the Basque as ballasts to stabilize their fishing vessels on the way to Newfoundland. If these tiles were used to roof the tryworks (ovens) in Basque whaling stations, in Red Bay for example, we do not know their usage once they reached the cod fishing stations of the Southern Shore of Newfoundland. On the contrary of what it is often inferred, Basques were not only whalers. Many Basque crews were involved in cod fishing during the 16th and the 17th century!

Reconstruction of a Trywork in Red Bay the tiles are visible on the roof of the building (https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/hist/canp1/ca04eng.html)


The manufacturing process of Basque tiles included grinding the clay, mixing it with water and straw, molding, and firing. Tiles were fired at a low temperature, similar to that of coarse earthenware, and their proximity to the flame of the kiln could affect the tile’s coloring, with those closer to the flame being darkest.




The Basque are known to have frequented the area of St. Lawrence during the 16th and 17th centuries, establishing seasonal fishing camps where they would process their catch before setting sail back to Europe. St. Lawrence and Little St. Lawrence are believed to be toponym given by Basque crews in the 16th century: San Lorenz Audia and San Lorenz Chumea. While we have yet to identify a Basque occupation of Turpin’s Island during our test pitting campaign, the presence of these artifacts remains an important clue for understanding the history of the island. We hope to uncover more information about the island's chronology and past inhabitants during future excavations!

Detail of Cosmographie universelle, selon les navigateurs tant anciens que modernes

by Guillaume Le Testu (1555) showing the toponym Saint Lorens (from: Gallica)


Author:

Leah Constantine

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