Archaeology
Mission San Luis consists of over 60 acres of largely undisturbed 17th century archaeological deposits including the remains from well-documented religious, secular, public, and residential areas of the site. Following more than two decades of fieldwork, the archaeological collections at Mission San Luis represent one of the largest and most diverse collections of 17th century Spanish and Apalachee materials available anywhere. These remains include more than 950,000 artifacts and 16 tons of building materials recovered from controlled excavations at a wide range of Apalachee and Spanish contexts.
Beginning in the 1980s, archaeologists excavated the remains of buildings and trash pits across Mission San Luis. These scientists discovered and studied the remains left behind by the Apalachee and Spanish villagers. The physical evidence found and studied shows the routines of everyday life in the village and how the Apalachee and Spanish learned to live together.
Large portions of the story the Mission tells is based on Spanish reports, letters, and other historical documents that are preserved in Spanish archives. These writings reported on military actions, government decrees, court decisions, and religious activities of the time. What we know of the Apalachee comes from the Catholic friars who, with their Apalachee translators, wrote down native customs, ceremonies, and spiritual practices.
For 50 years at San Luis, Native American and Spanish traditions and customs blended together. This is best seen in how each culture began growing and eating the traditional foods of the other, a trend supported by the archaeological record. European herbs and spices—some locally grown, others imported—flavored meals. Families grew food and spices in small gardens and used herbs as medicines. The Catholic friars also oversaw small gardens near the Friary that were tended by Apalachee servants. Their main food supply was taken as tribute, known as tithes, from the villagers.
Physical evidence of the blending cultures is again seen in the changes to pottery. Archaeologists found Apalachee made pots that were shaped like imported Spanish vessels. Called colonoware or mission ware today, these pieces integrated European styles such as handles for cups or pitchers, foot ring bases, and long candle holders.
