Portland's Old Town/Chinatown Neighborhood

M.A. Thesis by Maralee Wernz, Oregon State University, 2002

Abstract: This archaeological based research uses ceramics in the study of acculturation from a site excavated by an urban archaeology contract firm, and utilizes the theories of consumer choice, ethnicity and acculturation. Artifact analysis took place in the form of minimum vessel counts, artifact relative frequencies, and Chinese artifact values, as well as various mapping strategies in attempts to indicate and evaluate counts and distribution patterns for the assessment of levels of acculturation within a portion of the Chinese community of Old Chinatown in Portland, Oregon. Field methodology inconsistencies only allowed for minimal conclusions, however achaeological and historical evidence indicated that very low levels of acculturation did occur among those living within the study area. This research also allowed for investigations into urban contract archaeology field methods. It was found that if future researchers wish to study the area of acculturation based on archaeological evidence, consistency and thoroughness will have to be a priority within field methods of sites excavated.