Ceramics and Other Archaeological Finds as Evidence of Ancient Ports Existence and Its Role in Eastern Coast of South Sumatra in Early Centuries
The East Coast of Sumatra has been often associated with great maritime empire in Southeast Asia, namely Srivijaya. However in this paper does not focus on the presence of that empire, but the traces of settlements and port related maritime activities early centuries AD. Foreign ceramics is one solid indication of their relationship and trade exchange activities between the origin places of ceramics was produced with which it was found on the very site of east coast South Sumatra, the same thing happened to other findings as well. By revealing these sites we might have picture what Southern Sumatra role was in maritime activities of early centuries AD.
Eka Asih Putrina Taim
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
11/24/2017
Eka Asih Putrina Taim
The Blues of the Santa Cruz: A study of porcelain color and composition
For the study of ceramics found in a shipwreck, stylistic and provenance analysis are two approaches that can provide critical information about period and trade route of the vessel. In this paper, we investigate the characteristics of trade ceramics from the well-preserved Santa Cruz shipwreck, which sunk along the west coast of Luzon Island in the Philippines. Underwater excavation has brought to light more than 15,000 ceramics, mainly Chinese Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain and Longquan celadon of the Hongzhi period (1488-1505 CE) as well as other wares from Thailand, Vietnam, and Burma. Here, we have focused on the Jingdezhen blue-and-white porcelain and selected twelve dishes with similar decorative patterns, but showing different tones and shades of the blue color. The dishes were most likely produced in the same workshop or within a small region and the primary goal was to investigate production variability. The chemical composition of the ceramics and the characteristics of the blue pigment were studied non-invasively with portable X-ray fluorescence pXRF) and fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy (FORS). Results have shown that pXRF data are relatively homogeneous which reflects some constancy in term of raw materials procurement usage. On the other hand, although the blue pigment was as expected a cobalt-based material, FORS spectral profiles present significant differences which might be due to variations in the pigment composition and/or firing conditions, while for others, they could also be
related to weathering. From an archaeometry perspective, this research provides some insight on production standardization in Jingdezhen as well as on subsequent modifications that can affect ceramics found in an underwater archaeological context.
Ellen Hsieh
Christian Fischer
Bobby C. Orillaneda
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
11/24/2017
Ellen Hsieh
Christian Fischer
Bobby C. Orillaneda
Maritime Means and Mountain Ends: the origin of stoneware jars in mid 15th CE burial complexes of the Southern Cardamom Ranges, Cambodia
Southeast Asia during the first half of the second millennium CE. Their hegemony is particularly apparent in lowland areas throughout the Lower Mekong basin, expressed in both architecture and ceramics. How strongly this control was exercised in more geographically marginal regions – and what the nature of power was after the capital moved southward -- has not been explored. In this paper we present the results of a geochemical analysis of ceramics from absolutely and comprehensively dated mid-15th century CE burial complexes in the Southern Cardamom Ranges of southeastern Cambodia and a nearby contemporary shipwreck. The
wreck assemblage was typical of a Southeast Asian maritime trader. Comparison of burial and shipwreck ceramic compositional data enables us to confirm a provenance for some of the jars and fine wares from production centres in central Northern Thailand. A second group, not represented in the wreck assemblage, is from a yet unidentified source that we suggest is located in the adjacent Cambodian lowlands. The results of this provenience analysis highlights both the role of the relatively well-known maritime trade, as well as a previously unsuspected continuity in local Cambodian stoneware production. This window into 15th c exchange networks expands our understanding of the context of subsequent European 16th-17th c engagement during the Early Modern Period, is one piece of the broader picture needed to more closely define the processes of economic transformation.
Peter Grave
Lisa Kealhofer
N. Beavan
Tep Sohka
Miriam Stark
Ea Darith
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
11/24/2017
Peter Grave
Lisa Kealhofer
N. Beavan
Tep Sohka
Miriam Stark
Ea Darith