Accession Number

1986.008.3025b

Creation Date

circa 1620

Description

Epoxy mold made from concretion. Two of three keys that were originally encrusted together. One of the two keys is ornate. Epoxy mold of concretion joins these two keys. Imprint of ribbon in concretion indicates that the keys were at one time tied together. One of three pieces. See also 1986.008.3025a, c.

Exhibition Label

Case Caption (2023):

A COLONIST—GASPAR DE ROJAS

Gaspar de Rojas had immigrated to Peru with his family as a boy, and lived in Lima, where he had become a prominent merchant. He imported textiles and other manufactured goods from Europe and also traded in leather, wax, and fur. He was the agent responsible for a consignment of 100 silver ingots on the Santa Margarita, and 11 on the Nuestra Señora de Atocha.

De Rojas had risked the transatlantic voyage several times. Records state that in 1616 he returned to Peru from Spain accompanied by his bookkeeper and an enslaved mulatto man. In 1620, he sailed with an enslaved African named Felipe Biafra. Aboard the Santa Margarita, he was traveling with his nephew, don Francisco de Rojas. They both drowned in the shipwreck.
Object Caption (2023):

Keys
Ribbon with reconstruction (c.1600)
Gift of Jamestown Inc.
1986.008.3025b,c