Abstract

Site S3-4 PV, located within the harbour of Valparaiso, on the central coast of Chile (33°01’S –71°37’W), is an underwater archaeological site related to the Fiscal Mole, an important port facility employed preferentially by steamships during late 19th and early 20th centuries. During the last few years, harbour redevelopment has prompted a rescue archaeology project, including monitoring, survey and excavation activities. By conducting a preliminary assessment of the ceramic assemblage recovered, we aim to perform an initial characterisation of the tableware used on board the vessels of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company (PSNC), the main steam shipping company operating along the west coast of South America during the period. The results obtained suggest that British Staffordshire refined white-bodied tableware featuring transfer-print decoration is dominant in the archaeological record. The dominant institutional wares of the PSNC emphasise the strong presence of this company at the port of Valparaiso, while dating coincides strongly with the operation period of the Fiscal Mole, confirming the coherence of the assemblage. While further ceramic analysis is required, the patterns identified have the potential to address new research issues and facilitate the investigation of PSNC wreck sites and similar wharf and jetty sites located in the region.