Some artifacts include maker’s marks. Maker’s marks can be initials, a small symbol, or even a location that show who made the artifact and where it was made. Maker’s marks appear on all types of artifacts from pipes to ceramics to even barrels!

Archaeologists found a large barrel in James Fort’s first well. One of its staves (side pieces) was etched with a symbol. It could be the mark of the cooper who made the barrel or the show the kind of goods that were once inside! What do you think it says?