When archaeologists uncovered large crystals buried for centuries beneath the foundation of a prominent colonial family’s homestead, they pieced together the distant past, now giving students the opportunity to learn about Hoodoo in early America.
Hoodoo, an African-rooted system of magic practices and beliefs, was brought to America by African slaves and spread across the colonies as workers were traded from place to place.
Slaves and settlers used Hoodoo in an attempt to cure disease, protect farms from thieves, remove bad luck, attract lovers and even harm others. The practice required a wide variety of ingredients and objects that were necessary for spells, including roots, spices, candles, cigar ash and crosses.
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History kicks off a series of archaeology lectures Friday at 5:30 p.m. with a discussion hosted by Dr. Julie M. Schablitsky entitled, “The Archaeology of Hoodoo: African American Spiritual Practices in Maryland.” The event will be held in Room 110 of the Knight Law Center.
While working for the Maryland Department of Transportation as chief archaeologist of the Cultural Resources Section, Schablitsky’s job was to conduct archaeological surveys prior to the construction of highways and bridges.
She and her team were responsible for removing cultural artifacts that could potentially be affected by construction projects. While conducting one of these surveys, she discovered the buried remains of the Jackson homestead, including large crystals — evidence of African-based spiritual traditions. Immediately, the team recognized the items as probable connections to Hoodoo.
The excavation of the property helped Schablitsky learn about the daily lives of the Jackson family, including their dietary preferences and social communications. With evidence of Hoodooism, she can also theorize about the role the belief system had on the lives of the Jackson family.
The Jackson homestead was built in about 1670, but the family members were active civic leaders in the Newton area until the 1850s. The Hoodoo evidence helped Schablitsky conclude that the homestead was used as a stop to harbor runaway slaves in the Underground Railroad.
Executive director of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History and professor of anthropology Jon Erlandson describes Schablitsky not only as an educated archeologist, but also as a poised public speaker.
Schablitsky is a member of the archaeology team of the PBS series, “Time Team America” and has done work on the West Coast where she excavated and studied the Donner Party site, and overseas in Scotland where she worked to excavate the birthplace of famous sailor and U.S. Navy hero John Paul Jones.
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Archaeologist to speak about Hoodoo
Daily Emerald
October 14, 2009
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