This short film explores the historical, archaeological, and forensic evidence behind the discovery of Captain William West in the chancel of Jamestown's first church. Captain West was born in 1585 and killed in 1610 around the age of 24 during a skirmish with Powhatan Indians. He was described as a “kinsman” or “nephew” of Lord De La Warr and like his relative, Sir Ferdinando Wainman, had high levels of lead in his bones. Captain West’s high status was confirmed when archaeologists discovered the highly decayed remnants of a military leader’s silk sash folded over the chest area of the skeleton. To protect this delicate artifact, it was removed from the ground within a block of surrounding soil and remains encased in dirt. Not unlike x-ray vision, a micro-CT scan determined it was made of cloth, probably silk and adorned with silver bullion fringe and silver spangles. Future research will involve genetic testing to learn more about the identities of the four men and to better understand the familial relationship between Wainman and West.
To learn more please visit historicjamest... and 3D.si.edu to see a digital model of the burial site.
Негізгі бет Finding Captain William West
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