Endicott Street Privy Inkwell

3D Model

This mid-19th century “umbrella” style glass inkwell was recovered archaeologically from a privy behind Endicott Street in the North End of Boston. Now a popular tourist destination, this part of the North End was once part of the red light district! The excavated privy was associated with a brothel that once stood at this location, and artifacts like these give insight to the daily lives of those who resided in “houses of ill fame”. Inkwells are often considered an indicator of literacy when found archaeologically, and in this case may provide a valuable counter-narrative to assumptions about those who lived and worked in these brothels.Scanned by Brian Schools.