In Small Things Forgotten: An Archaeology of Early American Life

by James Deetz

History is recorded in many ways. According to author James Deetz, the past can be seen most fully by studying the small things so often forgotten. Objects such as doorways, gravestones, musical instruments, and even shards of pottery fill in the cracks between large historical events and depict the intricacies of daily life. In his completely revised and expanded edition of In Small Things Forgotten, Deetz has added new sections that more fully acknowledge the presence of women and African Americans in Colonial America. New interpretations of archaeological finds detail how minorities influenced and were affected by the development of the Anglo-American tradition in the years following the settlers' arrival in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. Among Deetz's observations:

Subtle changes in building long before the Revolutionary War hinted at the growing independence of the American colonies and their desire to be less like the British.

Records of estate auctions show that many households in Colonial America contained only one chair--underscoring the patriarchal nature of the early American family. All other members of the household sat on stools or the floor.

The excavation of a tiny community of freed slaves in Massachusetts reveals evidence of the transplantation of African culture to North America.

Simultaneously a study of American life and an explanation of how American life is studied, In Small Things Forgotten, through the everyday details of ordinary living, colorfully depicts a world hundreds of years in the past.

Genres: History, Archaeology, Nonfiction, Anthropology, American History, Science, Read For School

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Matt Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book as an undergrad nearly 40 years ago; I've recalled it and assigned it to my archaeology students time and again since then. It occurred to me to give it a full reread. Written in the late 1970s, it's only a bit dated in terms of what's been done and in techniques available to the researcher, but this still stands as a fine and easily accessible intro to the interpretive aspect of archaeology. Deetz deals specifically with historical archaeology and access to documentary history to supplement the artifactual assemblage, but the basic premises he considers apply pretty equally to prehistoric archaeology. The past, as has been said, is a different country, and the biases and incompleteness of written records can be equally if not more misleading than total absence; the materials (and skeletal remains, a notable omission in Deetz' book) left behind provide objective data about their creators, and the trick is in asking the right questions of them.

[Particle_Person · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on historical archaeology, which is the part of archaeology that makes use of the written historical record as well as excavation and more traditional archaeological techniques. The author restricts the field to "the spread of European cultures since the 15th century and their impact and interaction with the cultures of indigenous people." I think that's a little TOO restrictive (surely other cultures had their own written records for that time period?), but I'm not an archaeologist so maybe there are reasons for the definition that I'm not aware of.

In any case, Deetz discusses New England archaeology in detail, which is why I'm re-reading the book. I've been systematically walking the Massachusetts coastline taking pictures of the first and second period houses. You can really see the transition he discusses from the asymmetric houses common in the 17th century to the highly symmetric Georgian houses of the 18th — it's dramatic. Essex and Duxbury MA in particular are like a case study. Deetz says the 17th century designs were meant to conform to nature (a medieval point of view) while the 18th century designs challenged it with their rigid symmetry.

It makes me wonder whether we're at the start of a fourth period, where we'll still embrace technology but will also try to make it work with nature in the name of not destroying our species. I'm starting to see signs of it, notably in the number of solar panels and windmills dotting the Massachusetts landscape. There's also a great deal of online discussion of "green" design, which includes things like orienting houses to take advantage of the sunshine and insulation techniques that reduce the need for heating and air conditioning. An eventual "fourth period house" might end up looking a lot like a first period one, but with 21st century materials and techniques.

--

Having finished the book, I think Deetz makes a strong case for historical archaeology overall, but I have one nit to pick. Deetz claims as part of his thesis (as I interpreted it) that artifacts are a less biased source of information than the historical record. In some ways it's true (potsherds can't lie) but the weak point of that argument is that artifacts require interpretation and proper context or they can be misleading. Deetz himself says so! He discusses the case of "Colono ware", a type of African American pottery initially misidentified as "Colono Indian ware" because of the false supposition that it was produced by Native Americans. Clearly Deetz knows that the archaeologists sometimes goof outrageously, yet in the very next chapter he's back to claiming that artifacts are a more objective record. It seems to me that in trusting the historical record versus the archaeological record, one is simply trading off the biases of the contemporary people versus the biases of the modern excavators.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemed both too simplistic and too limited in its argument. Its simplicity, were it being taught to an undergraduate audience, would actually emerge as a strength. Deetz uses clear historical examples to present his case regarding the importance of historical archeology (basically, studying stuff as varied as pottery to architecture of homes) to our understanding of humanity's past. However, where the argument goes awry is in his suggestion that these things need to be foregrounded over the study of documents or books from the same time period. While I'm sympathetic to the idea that the contents of court transcripts, diaries, etc. probably give a skewed idea of the past of average citizens, putting them aside in order to turn to objects all but ignores the fact that these documents also have lives as objects and their material matter as well as their historical provenance (i.e. why they've survived) might provide an entirely different type of data than their contents do. My sister gave me this book (which she read in what I think was an historical archeology course), thinking it might provide me useful data for my own study of books as material objects. The fact that it proved to be the opposite was actually useful in its own right. Deetz's argument against constructing our understanding of the past entirely from historical documents helps me to better articulate how, in my view, those documents themselves might provide evidence that is often overlooked by historians.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building on Henry Glassie’s work, Deetz adds to the foundation of what historical archaeology and the study of material culture can and should be. Focusing on the white Anglo-Americans of pre-1750 colonial America, the revised and expanded edition is far more inclusive of African American history, and takes great pains to rectify earlier oversights and ignorance. Some of the language is dated nearly three decades on (from the revised edition, nevermind the initial printing) but Deetz’s ideas about making history accessible through material culture are still timely and needed. I believe this book could be read, understood, and enjoyed by anyone, not just material culture students or archaeologists.

[Bea Maclaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely interesting if you are interested in an alternative method of approaching colonial American history (historical archaeology). Or if you are very interested in various kinds of pottery remains

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the themes in this book. Sometimes it was hard to stay engaged with all of the technical details but still there were many interesting details with important implications for how we create knowledge

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1977 and expanded in 1995, James Deetz’s "In Small Things Forgotten: An Archaeology of Early American Life" begins with a memorable anecdote of a New England appraiser who in 1658 included as his final entry to an estate’s listing—“In small things forgotten, eight shillings sixpence”—in which Deetz calls attention to the appraiser’s acknowledgment that “things that he may have overlooked . . . nevertheless have value” (4). Drawing from a variety of sources including ceramic dishes, funerary art on gravestones, earthfast foundation construction, shot gun houses, and tobacco pipe diameters, and with the aid of clear sketches and diagrams by Amy Elizabeth Grey, Deetz demonstrates how historical archaeology offers a fruitful lens for conducting history as an engaging and insightful alternative to textual analysis. As a colleague and friend of Henry Glassie as admitted to in his introduction, Deetz also points out how “not all the people [of modern history] were able to read and write” and thus material culture analysis—particularly historical archaeology—has the potential for a more accurate and democratic representation of history (10). He speaks directly to this point with his chapter entitled “the African American past” that among other points contends that historical archaeological evidence as well as textual sources suggest that the veranda, or porch, that became such a pervasive feature in the architecture of the American South during the late eighteenth century most likely came from West Africa influences rather than European traditions. Deetz reveals how rather than simply reading American slave history as one dominant culture forcing its “superior” ways upon the captive, the small everyday common objects left behind and discarded tell a very different story of how both European and African cultural traditions contributed to the distinctive Southern culture shared by both races despite written narratives contending for their separateness. Historical corrections, especially ones that restore the contributions of oppressed minorities, are prime examples of the importance and potential of looking first to material culture before turning to the written record that tends to speak less honestly than objects do.

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recommended by William Rathje (author of Rubbish!) this slim book examines the contrast between what archeological research in New England can tell us about the life in the 1600's versus what the written record tells us.

The book was loosely grouped around examining refuse (in particular the pottery/porcelain remains), the evolution of gravestone icons, and the structure of homes. The book made some assumptions as to prior knowledge (such as basic archaeological terminology & theory), but was reasonably easy to follow. I found it interesting because of my genealogy hobby; but others may find it a worthwhile read as well.

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

probably only enjoyable if you are an archeology / anthropology nerd. since i only dabble, i give it 2 stars. the subject would make a great new yorker article.

[James]

History is recorded in many ways. According to  author James Deetz, the past can be seen most fully  by studying the small things so often forgotten.  Objects such as doorways, gravestones, musical  instruments, and even shards of pottery fill in the  cracks between large historical events and depict  the intricacies of daily life. In his completely  revised and expanded edition of In Small  Things Forgotten, Deetz has added new  sections that more fully acknowledge the presence  of women and African Americans in Colonial  America. New interpretations of archaeological finds  detail how minorities influenced and were affected  by the development of the Anglo-American tradition  in the years following the settlers' arrival in  Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. Among Deetz's  observations:Subtle changes in building long before the  Revolutionary War hinted at the growing independence  of the American colonies and their desire to be  less like the  British.Records of estate auctions show that many  households in Colonial America contained only one  chair--underscoring the patriarchal nature of the  early American family. All other members of the  household sat on stools or the  floor.The excavation of a tiny community of  freed slaves in Massachusetts reveals evidence of  the transplantation of African culture to North  America.Simultaneously  a study of American life and an explanation of  how American life is studied, In Small  Things Forgotten, through the everyday  details of ordinary living, colorfully depicts a  world hundreds of years in the past.

[Tibby]

I first read this book in a historical archaeology course in my undergraduate years. I was really taken with the whole concept and also the way in which Deetz wove the historical record together with the archaeological record. I've hung onto a copy of the book for nearly 20 years now and decided to revisit it to see if I wanted to keep it on the shelf. I was surprised at how well it held up.

Deetz's main point here is to explain how historical archaeology works. It's part use of records and part use of artifacts to paint a picture of early Anglo-American life. He demonstrates this through house architecture, gravestone carvings, pottery, and a few miscellaneous other objects. The shift in styles reflect changes in material culture as well as in worldview. While the ideas he presents are general, you won't get a detailed history of 17th, 18th, and 19th century white America here, you will understand how to use two types of records to paint a picture of life for people during those time periods.

He also features a chapter specifically on a small Black community in New England, which he uses to demonstrate how you see the influence of differing culture on their artifacts and how those artifacts can be used to show Afro-American culture in early America.

If there's one drawback it's that this was published in 1977 and I believe there has been more scholarship on things such as pottery, Black American history and culture, and even further excavation of houses and historical sites. I think in college I had a newer edition, but even that would be 20 years old at this point and might still miss some things. I don't know that it would change the overall feel of the book or alter his points and his examples so much as further scholarship might offer a fuller picture now that he could use to showcase some of his points even more.

[Archaeology Books for Fun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revisiting In Small Things Forgotten felt like catching up with an old friend. We first read this book in graduate school, and returning to it for our podcast reminded us why it left such a lasting impression. James Deetz has a rare gift for making the past feel close, personal, and meaningful.

What makes this book so special is its focus on the everyday—buttons, pottery, house layouts—and how those "small things" reveal larger truths about early American life. Deetz writes with clarity, curiosity, and deep respect for the people whose stories are often overlooked in more traditional histories.

Even years later, the book still feels fresh. It’s accessible without oversimplifying, and thoughtful without being dry. Whether you’re new to archaeology or returning to it with fresh eyes, In Small Things Forgotten is a reminder of how much the details matter—and how the past continues to speak, if we know how to listen.

A classic for a reason, and a joy to revisit. We discussed this book in "In Small Things Forgotten: Part 1-3" of our podcast—Archaeology Books for Fun ! Check it out here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/prof...

[Nola Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hell yeah historical archaeology. Very well written and easy to understand, but like you also feel smart. I love the balance of doing more professional academic descriptions of sites/artifacts (that granted are really hard to visualize… like you expect me to be able to conceptualize a 17th century house using only written descriptors and unfamiliar carpentry terms?) with the actually fun cool cultural analysis bits and of course some good old primary sources. Also enjoyed the stress Deetz puts on how historical archaeology relies heavily on BOTH written record AND excavated material, especially in the chapter on African American archaeology where there is definitely more of a material record in the time period. This book honestly cultivated in me an increased appreciation and understanding of both and how exactly they are use in actual archaeological discipline.
… anyways it’s produced within me a weird horrifically nerdy interest in Puritan gravestones. So just watch out for that.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on what the traces and remnants of colonial New England life (ceramics, houses and buildings, foodways, gravestones, documents, etc.) tell us about the lives and beliefs of ordinary people. He traces the development of a medieval, communal and community oriented ideology in the beginning of the 17th century in its progression to a Renaissance and individualistic ideology of the late 18th century. I should have taken notes and outlined the text so that I could remember it all better! A very interesting and thought-provoking read.

[amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very accessible intro to historical archaeology as inquiry with/into material culture: why different kinds of evidence are important, how to use them in conversation or triangulation, and why everyday objects and stories are important. This edition adds two indispensable chapters, "Parting Ways" and "The African American Past." I think I learned of this book via media archaeology people, so reading it also affords some clues about exactly what kind of metaphor they organize behind.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was relevant to my work as a curator and interpreter, and parts of it were interesting, like the ceramics and architecture discussions. I’ll admit I skipped over a lot of the gravestone chapter — minute differences in cherubs between Providence and Plymouth are, well, not something I’ve ever cared about. I think it’s probably one of the better books in terms of making historical archeology not quite as dry. Nevertheless there’s a lot of technical words in there that were lost on me.

[Evan]

“In the seemingly little and insignificant things that accumulate to create a lifetime, the essence of our existence is captured. We must remember these bits and pieces, and we must use them in new and imaginative ways so that a different appreciation for what life is today, and was in the past, can be achieved.”

[Geronimo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book traps your engagement in some sections. It's length is good for the ideas put forward and it is informative in a very meaningful way. It shines most on the sections about African American Archaeology but loses your engagement in the long descriptions of architecture. Which could have benefitted with more technically specific diagrams instead of the long descriptions descriptions.

[Andrea (Hammock and Read) · Rating 2 out of 5]

agh- just ok- didn't follow though on what he was trying to do. 70s comes though with examples and lack of non-white upper class ideas
Porch - Colono pottery and shotgun houses are some of the examples he uses

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was assigned this book for a material culture course and I believe anyone interested in history or anthropology should pick this book up. Not only is it a great resource for the methods of studying material culture, but it also provides vivid and detailed examples from Deetz’s own experience.

[Joshua Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a nice little introduction to historical archeology, and what types of things can be learned from it. In the updated edition (at least) he takes great pains, perhaps to great, to discuss African American sites along with more well known colonial ones.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for my history Junior seminar. Had some interesting insights on how material culture influenced pre-revolutionary America. Was a bit information dense at parts, but had some really interesting research.

[Nick McAfee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting introduction to the historical archaeology of New England (and a bit of Chesapeake). A brief overview of material culture as well as, arguably more importantly, a perspective on how to think of these objects in their historical contexts.

[Cynthia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to get lost in time. Loved this

[Meg Koch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would give this 3 1/2 stars. Probably more than I wanted to know about gravestones, housing and pottery in early American life, but I did find it informative and interesting.

[Reba Weatherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presents some interesting ideas, but read a little dated.

[Abbey Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic for anyone interested in material culture studies. Fascinating and thought-provoking.

[James Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a central text in historical archaeology. But, more than that, it is inspiring.

[Brett Mayfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated but a great foundation overall

[Hannah C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5 stars