Consumption and Control in the Material Culture of Hacienda El Progreso

Abstract

This chapter presents the material culture recovered from Hacienda El Progreso midden contexts within the broader perspective of Latin America’s participation in the global market during the later nineteenth century. Two distinct aspects of the imported manufactured goods are suggested: (1) consumption to project a modern image; and (2) technologies used to control the hacienda’s landscape and its workers. Archaeological contexts are described, and the preserved assemblage, including armaments, actuarial implements, money, fencing, alcohol containers, tableware, sewing instruments, toys, and medicaments, are analyzed and contextualized. Consumer choices made by Cobos reflect the consumption habits of a coastal Ecuadorian planter class that were transported to a remote location in time and space.