Our Story
Two years ago, I embarked on a project that has interested me for several years — documenting the history of Chaney dating back to the early 1700s. Chaney is a word unique to St. Croix and it was created by local children combining the words "china" and "money." The children would find shards of pottery discarded as trash due to chips and breaks. They would round out the edges of these shards and use them for games.
The pottery all around the island does not only include the fine china patterns brought from Europe by the wealthy plantation owners, it also includes solid earthenware that appears far more simple. I found all 223 pieces of Chaney displayed all across the island. These pieces were pulled from the sea, gathered from beaches, unearthed on land, rescued from rain gutters, lying in parking lots, digging in dirt, or simply found just sitting on a sidewalk.
The pottery shards in this artwork span from the early 1700s through the early 1900s. Using several period dictionaries of patterned pottery from 1700 to 1890, online research, and the wisdom of local historians, I was able to learn the approximate age and origination of the Chaney pieces.
I deliberately included old pieces, burnt pieces, land pieces, sea pieces, as well as the spectrum of colors and patterns. Perhaps some of the pieces might not appear beautiful at first glance — until you know their story. This was intentional in an effort to honor the complete, unvarnished history of all the people who have been on this island throughout the past few centuries.
I hope this work resonates with those who wish to learn more about the complex culture of this island. Ultimately, this piece will be donated to the people of St. Croix, where it belongs.
