Lead Weight A lead sounding weight (length 16.9 in.) engraved XXI (21 lbs.) was one of the first artifacts recovered from the site in 1996. This instrument was attached to a line and used to determine water depth and bottom consistency. Two smaller lead weights (14 and 19 0z.), both carved with a bladed tool, were found in 1998. Though similar to fishing weights, both of these artifacts feature hollowed out bottoms typical of most sounding weights, and may well have been used to determine depth and bottom characteristics in shallow water. There is also the possibility that these weights were used as counter-balances for scales, or plumb bobs for surveying instruments.
Lead Weight A lead sounding weight (length 16.9 in.) engraved XXI (21 lbs.) was one of the first artifacts recovered from the site in 1996. This instrument was attached to a line and used to determine water depth and bottom consistency. Two smaller lead weights (14 and 19 0z.), both carved with a bladed tool, were found in 1998. Though similar to fishing weights, both of these artifacts feature hollowed out bottoms typical of most sounding weights, and may well have been used to determine depth and bottom characteristics in shallow water. There is also the possibility that these weights were used as counter-balances for scales, or plumb bobs for surveying instruments.
