Rings and regulations: distribution of finger rings at San Luis de Talimali (8LE4) as evidence for the presence of sumptuary laws in mission life

After 1670, when Spanish settlement was encouraged at San Luis de Talimali (8LE4), Spanish and criolla women moved to the town bringing with them their culture, way of life, and jewelry. Jewelry can signify identity, ideology, wealth, and social hierarchy. Spanish sumptuary laws were implemented throughout the Spanish Empire to codify these hierarchical boundaries by restricting who could wear what. Archaeological excavation has revealed that the distribution of finger rings aligns with where the most influential families likely lived, presenting evidence that Spanish sumptuary laws were followed at the mission. The existence of finger rings at San Luis and the notion that sumptuary laws were implemented give researchers insight into the lived experience of the people and, notably, the seldom-recognized Spanish women at San Luis.