THE HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SWORDS OF LA BELLE A Dissertation by JEFFREY J. KAMPFL Submitted to the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Chair of Committee, C. Wayne Smith Co-Chair of Committee Donny Hamilton Committee Members, Tom Green Bronson S. Tindall Head of Department, Cynthia Werner May 2019 Major Subject: Anthropology Copyright 2019 Jeffrey J. Kampfl ABSTRACT This research involves the conservation, historical and archaeological analysis of a cache of swords recovered from the 17th-century French shipwreck La Belle. The central premise of my research model is the incorporation of the theories and methodologies of several convergent disciplines; concentrating on the material and cultural aspect of these weapons, and the technical processes involved with their conservation. The integration of the conservation process and research results with the archaeological evidence, both objects and context, can lead to new methods of archaeological inquiry. The details of materials composition and structure, sequence of processing, properties, performance, or use should define the way modern material culture research is conducted. This research approach seeks to answer such relevant questions as what is the past and current history of the sword types recovered from La Belle? What materials, technology or skilled craft aided in the production of these swords and their individual components? What was the practical and symbolic function of these edged weapons? Subsequently, the data lead to interpretations of the finds and their broader meaning within the context of the shipwreck itself. I am convinced that the research presented in this dissertation will help to facilitate a wider dialogue about swords and other edged weapons among weapons historians and archaeologists. The conservator is dedicated to maintaining the long-term preservation of cultural artifacts through examination, documentation, treatment, and preventive care and research. Conservation is an interdisciplinary field involving knowledge and skills acquired from a number of diverse disciplines in the arts and sciences. As a result, conservators must have a working knowledge of materials technology, chemistry, biology, physics, art history, and archaeology. ii The results of the case studies discussed in chapter six, though limited in scope, proved most promising, indicating that there are always viable alternatives to the methods and materials used by artifact conservation and preservation. The collaboration between conservators and experts in other related fields, such as conservation science, computer science, radiography, digital imaging, and rapid-prototyping technology is critical to the successful practice of artifact conservation and interpretation. iii DEDICATION For my loving wife, Marsha, and my two wonderful children Monica and Chad. Thank you all for your unfailing love and support over the years. "I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths." "When you walk your steps will not be hindered' And when you run, You will not stumble." - Proverbs 4: 11-12 iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my committee chair, Dr. C. Wayne Smith, and my committee members, Dr. Donny Hamilton, Dr. Tom Green, and Dr. Shane Tindall, for their guidance and support during my many years of graduate study at Texas A&M University. Though words of thanks will not suffice, I wish to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their patience and understanding as I found myself struggling to complete my degree time and again. My gratitude to these exceptional professors and scholars knows no bounds. Thanks also go to the faculty and staff of the Anthropology Department for taking time out from their busy and hectic schedules to aid me in my research, and for making my time at Texas A&M University a wonderful experience. The department graduate advisor, Mr. Marco Valadez, went above and beyond in helping me navigate the lengthy and difficult process of achieving my degree. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Helen Dewolf, Mr. Jim Jobling and the staff of the Texas A&M University, Conservation Research Laboratory. There was no better way to learn the art of conservation than spending a day in the lab with Dr. Dewolf and Mr. Jobling. My time working in the lab was the best learning experience anyone could have hoped for. I would also like to thank Dr. Jim Bruseth and Amy Borgens of the Texas Historical Commission. They were both instrumental in my achieving one of my greatest dreams, to be a published scholar. Thank you also to the many project donors who made the recovery of La Belle and its contents possible. Their donations of time, money, and expertise were invaluable. These benefactors include ISTEA Texas Department of Transportation, Dennis O’Connor, The Cullen Foundation, The Fondren Foundation, The Houston Endowment, Inc., The Meadows v Foundation, Mobil Exploration & Producing U.S., Inc., Shell Oil Company Foundation, The Summerlee Foundation, The Trull Foundation, and Matagorda Country Navigation District One. Additionally, many of the donors whose supplies directly helped with the conservation effort include: Fuji NDT Systems; GE Silicones; Northrop Grumman; Coroplast, Inc.; Devcon Plexus; The Dow Chemical Company; and Progressive Epoxy Polymers. The generous donation of Bill and Donna Wilder made possible the Wilder 3-Dimensional Imaging Laboratory. The lab contained the latest 3-D imaging technology, including one of the first marketable rapid prototyping machines, the Z 310 Rapid Prototyping Printer by Z Corporation. Thanks to the Materialise and INUS Corporations, for the use of their 3D Imaging software applications, which made the technical aspects of my research possible. The integration of CT and other radiological modalities into my research project would not have been possible without the technicians and staff of the Physician Center and St. Joseph Hospital located in Bryan/College Station, Texas. Their welcoming and professional demeanor made for a truly fruitful collaborative effort. I owe a debt of gratitude to my friends and colleagues at Bradley University. Their kind words of support and reassurance meant a great deal over the past few years. I would especially like to thank Dr. Wayne Evens. Wayne spent long hours helping me prepare for my written and oral preliminary exams. Unfortunately, Wayne passed away a few years ago. I shall greatly miss his advice and words of encouragement. Dr. Bailey Young, one of my professors at Eastern Illinois University, has been a dear friend to myself and my family over the years. Having an opportunity to work with Dr. Young as a bumbling graduate assistant while on my first excavation in Belgium, was one of the highlights of my career as a future academic. I hope that in some small way, I have earned a bit of the vi tremendous confidence he placed in me so long ago. I would like to express my thanks to Dr. Timothy Mikesell for allowing me to tap his vast knowledge of radiography and 3D printing technology. Finally, to my faithful and loving friends and family, especially my wife Marsha. For years she stood by me as I struggled to complete my degree. When anyone else would have given up on me, Marsha found a way to motivate and inspire me. Of all the blessings I must thank God for, Marsha is my greatest. I dedicate this work to her without whom, none of this would have been possible. Finally, for anyone who I have failed to mention or thank properly, please forgive my oversite. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. vii CONTRIBUTORS AND FUNDING SOURCES This work was supported and supervised by a dissertation committee consisting of Professors C. Wayne Smith [Chair], Donny Hamilton and Tom Green of the Texas A&M University Anthropology Department. Dr. Shane Tindall of the Texas A&M University School of Medicine, served as the fourth member of my committee. Support and research advice was also given by Dr. Helen Dewolf, Jim Jobling and the rest of the staff of the Conservation Research Laboratory, Texas A&M University. The artifact analyses in Chapter IV were conducted, in part by Dr. Jim Bruseth and Amy Borgens of the Texas Historical Commission. The medical staff and technicians of The Physician’s Centre and St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan/College Station, Texas also offered helpful advice and access to their radiography equipment to conduct the research in Chapter VI of my dissertation. All other work for the dissertation was completed independently by the student. viii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................................. ii DEDICATION .......................................................................................................................... iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................... v CONTRIBUTORS AND FUNDING SOURCES .................................................................... viii TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... ix LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................. xii LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................................