Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

8-2022

Keywords

Metal, Archaeology, Alsatian, Castroville, Texas, Medina County, Empresario System, Materialism, Collections-Based Research, Consumerism

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Anthropology

First Advisor

Dr. Ruth M. Van Dyke

Series

Social Sciences

Subject Heading(s)

Archaeological dating--Castroville (Tex.)

Abstract

In this work I investigate changes in historical metal consumption practices over time at Biry/Ahr House, a frontier settlement in Castroville, Texas. Alsatian immigrants settled this site in Medina County as part of the empresario system of the 1840s. Biry/Ahr House was home to two families, the Birys (1844-1921) and the Groff/Tschirharts (1921-1972). Using vibrant materialism, consumerism, and collections-based research, I address the ways in which metal usage changed over time at the site as well as the factors behind these changes. I also consider the role that Alsatian heritage has played in the transformation of Biry/Ahr House from a historical home to the Living History Center it is today.

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