Artifacts found that could be linked to Lost Colony

MANTEO, N.C.-Archaeologists on North Carolina's Roanoke Island found pottery pieces that could have been part of a jar belonging to a medicine maker of the Roanoke Island voyages and perhaps a member of the "Lost Colony."

Two quarter-size fragments, colored blue, white and brown, were discovered buried in the soil near an earthen mound believed to have been a 16th century fort, The Virginian-Pilot reported.

"It was an exciting find," said Eric Deetz, an archaeologist with the First Colony Foundation who was part of the dig earlier this month. "That pottery had something to do with the Elizabethan presence on
that island."

"Lost Colony" settlers disappeared from Roanoke Island in the late 16th century after English explorer Walter Raleigh sent three groups to the coast of North Carolina in 1584, 1585 and
1587.

Artifacts have been uncovered throughout the years in and around the areas where the settlers are believed to have built forts.

And while archaeologists have yet to discover the fate of the colony, discoveries such as the pottery offer glimpses into the colonists' lives.

According to Deetz, the recent pieces found are part of a jar that might have been used by members of the colony to mix salves and
medicines.