New York African Burial Ground Archaeology Final Report, Volume 1. Chapter 10. Coffins

Coffin remains (wood and hardware) were by far the most ubiquitous artifacts recovered from graves at the African Burial Ground. In this chapter we report on the distribution of coffins among demographic and temporal groups and examine the historical context for coffin use. We then provide descriptive information on the shapes, sizes, material, construction, and decoration of coffins represented at the excavated cemetery. Finally, we describe the material remains that were recovered from coffins, and their treatment, identification, and quantification.

在非洲安葬场（African Burial Ground）的墓葬出土文物中，棺椁遗存（木材与金属配件）是迄今为止最为常见的遗物。本章首先梳理了棺椁在人口统计学分组与时间跨度组别中的分布情况，并探讨了棺椁使用行为的历史背景。随后，我们对本次发掘墓地中出土棺椁的形制、尺寸、材质、制作工艺与装饰特征展开描述性说明。最后，本文将介绍从棺椁内出土的各类物质遗存，并阐述其处理、鉴定与量化分析的相关流程与方法。