SUBMERGED HISTORY - The Marinduque Shipwrecks

National Museum of the Philippines

21 Apr 202105:03

Summary

TLDRMorindoke, in the Philippines, was a crucial stop on the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade route, where ships would resupply before crossing the Pacific. The underwater archaeological excavations at Barangay Pingan and Leilai Buak have revealed significant artifacts like Chinese blue and white porcelains and dragon jars, dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. These shipwrecks are testament to Marinduque's vibrant maritime history and its role in international trade, now preserved by the National Museum of the Philippines.

Takeaways

🌍 Morindoke is strategically located in the heart of the Philippines and was a key part of the maritime highway used for centuries.
🚢 Manila galleons and other vessels stopped in Marinduque for provisions and trade before crossing the Pacific Ocean to Acapulco.
🗺️ The shipwreck found near Spar Island, Barangay Pingan, Gaza, was discovered by a local fisherman in November 1980.
🔍 Excavations from 1981 to 1983 by archaeologists from the National Museum, in collaboration with a private group and the Philippine Navy, uncovered 1260 artifacts.
🏺 The artifacts included Chinese blue and white porcelains, specifically Zhangjiao ceramics from the mid 16th to the mid 17th century CE.
🐉 Dragon jars, high-fired glazed stonewares with dragon decorations, symbolizing power, strength, and good luck, were part of the archaeological finds.
🛶 The shipwreck in Barangay Leila Block was a landmark project, representing the first all-Filipino underwater archaeological excavation.
⚓️ Underwater excavations from 2014 to 2016 revealed wooden ship remains, suggesting the wreck possibly belonged to a late 18th-century Spanish patrol boat.
📜 The shipwrecks in Pingangasan and Leilai Buak provide material evidence of Marinduque's active role in local and international maritime trade.
🏛️ The National Museum of the Philippines is actively involved in the protection and management of the country's underwater cultural heritage.

Q & A

Where is Marinduque located in the Philippines?
-Marinduque is located at the heart of the Philippines, south of Luzon.
What was the significance of Marinduque's location during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade?
-Marinduque's strategic location made it part of the maritime highway used by various watercraft for centuries. It was a stop for Manila galleons and other vessels for provisions and trade before crossing the Pacific Ocean to Acapulco.
When was the shipwreck in Barangay Pingan, Gaza discovered?
-The shipwreck in Barangay Pingan, Gaza was accidentally discovered by a local fisherman in November 1980.
Which organizations were involved in the excavation of the shipwreck site in Gaza?
-Archaeologists from the National Museum's Anthropology Division, in collaboration with a private group and support from the Philippine Navy, excavated the site from 1981 to 1983.
How many artifacts were collected from the underwater archaeological excavation in Gaza?
-A total of 1260 artifacts were collected from the underwater archaeological excavation in Gaza.
What type of ceramics were recovered from the underwater excavation and where were they produced?
-Chinese blue and white porcelains, specifically Zhangjiao ceramics or Swatao ceramics, were recovered. They were produced by dragon type kilns in the Zhengzhao region of Fujian province during the mid 16th to the mid 17th century CE.
What were the various forms of the Zhangjiao ceramics found in the shipwreck?
-The Zhangjiao ceramics found in the shipwreck came in various forms such as dishes, bowls, vases, boxes, jarlets, and jars.
What is the significance of dragon jars in Chinese culture and where were they commonly produced?
-In Chinese culture, dragon jars are significant as they symbolize power, strength, and good luck. They were commonly produced in Guangdong and Fujian provinces.
What was the landmark project of the National Museum of the Philippines in relation to the shipwreck in Barangay Leila Block?
-The shipwreck in Barangay Leila Block represented the first all-Filipino underwater archaeological excavation, which was a landmark project of the National Museum of the Philippines.
What were the findings from the underwater excavations conducted from 2014 to 2016 in Leilai Buak?
-The underwater excavations from 2014 to 2016 resulted in the unearthing of wooden ship remains, including a keel approximately 28 meters long, planks, and other timber.
What do the shipwrecks in Pingangasan and Leilai Buak indicate about Marinduque's history?
-The shipwrecks in Pingangasan and Leilai Buak are direct material evidence of Marinduque's active participation in local and international maritime trade, which helped shape its current vibrant and remarkable culture.
What is the role of the National Museum of the Philippines in protecting the country's underwater cultural heritage?
-The National Museum of the Philippines is the leading government agency tasked with the protection of the country's underwater cultural heritage and is actively involved in improving the management of underwater cultural heritage.

Outlines

00:00

🚢 Maritime History of Marinduque

Marinduque, strategically located south of Luzon in the Philippines, was a crucial part of the maritime highway used by various watercraft for centuries. It was a stopover for Manila galleons and other vessels involved in the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, which was a significant economic and cultural exchange route during the 16th to 18th centuries. The main commercial hub, Manila, would send ships that would stop in Marinduque for provisions and trade before crossing the San Bernardino Straits to Acapulco.

🐟 Discovery of the Gaza Shipwreck

In November 1980, a local fisherman accidentally discovered a shipwreck off the coast of Barangay Pingan, Gaza, Marinduque. This discovery led to a collaborative excavation effort between archaeologists from the National Museum's Anthropology Division, a private group, and the Philippine Navy from 1981 to 1983. The underwater archaeological excavation resulted in the collection of 1260 artifacts, including Chinese blue and white porcelains known as Zhangjiao ceramics or Swatao ceramics, which were produced in the Zhengzhao region of Fujian province during the mid-16th to mid-17th century CE. These ceramics were found in various forms such as dishes, bowls, vases, boxes, jarlets, and jars.

🐉 Dragon Jars and Their Significance

Among the archaeological finds were dragon jars, which are high-fired glazed stonewares with impressive dragon decorations. In Chinese culture, dragons symbolize power, strength, and good luck, and are commonly used to decorate various objects. Most of these dragon jars were produced in Guangdong and Fujian provinces. The discovery of these jars adds to the understanding of the cultural and trade exchanges that took place during the period of the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade.

🛶 Underwater Excavations and the National Museum's Role

The shipwreck in Barangay Leila Block was a landmark project for the National Museum of the Philippines, representing the first all-Filipino underwater archaeological excavation. Excavations from 2014 to 2016 unearthed wooden ship remains, including a keel approximately 28 meters long, planks, and other timber. Initial findings suggested that the wreck might belong to a Spanish patrol boat from the late 18th century, based on the type of cannons retrieved from the site. The shipwrecks in Pingangasan and Leilai Buak serve as direct material evidence of Marinduque's active participation in local and international maritime trade, which has significantly contributed to its vibrant and remarkable culture. The National Museum of the Philippines, as the leading government agency for the protection of the country's underwater cultural heritage, is actively involved in managing and seeking ways to improve the preservation of these underwater cultural assets.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Morindoke

Morindoke is a location in the Philippines that holds significant historical importance due to its strategic position. In the video, it is described as being at the heart of the Philippines and part of the maritime highway, which was crucial for trade and navigation. Morindoke's role in the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade route underscores its historical significance in the region's economic and cultural development.

💡Manila Galleons

Manila Galleons were large sailing ships that were integral to the trade between Manila in the Philippines and Acapulco in Mexico during the 16th to 19th centuries. The term is used in the video to illustrate the type of vessels that would stop in Morindoke for provisions and trade, highlighting the region's active participation in international maritime commerce.

💡Maritime Highway

The term 'Maritime Highway' refers to the sea routes that were used for trade and transportation in the past. In the video, Morindoke's strategic location south of Luzon made it a part of this maritime highway, which was navigated by various watercraft for centuries. This concept is central to understanding the historical context of Morindoke's role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange.

💡Underwater Archaeological Excavation

Underwater archaeological excavation is the process of recovering submerged cultural heritage, such as shipwrecks and artifacts, from bodies of water. The video describes how such an excavation was conducted in Morindoke, leading to the discovery of numerous artifacts and shipwrecks that provide evidence of the region's maritime trade history.

💡Zhangjiao Ceramics

Zhangjiao ceramics, also known as Swatao ceramics, are a type of Chinese blue and white porcelain produced during the mid-16th to mid-17th century CE. The video mentions these ceramics as part of the artifacts recovered from underwater excavations in Morindoke, indicating the region's involvement in the China-Philippine trade and the cultural exchange that occurred through these trade routes.

💡Dragon Type Kilns

Dragon type kilns refer to a specific type of kiln used in the production of ceramics, particularly in the Zhengzhao region of Fujian province, China. The video mentions these kilns in relation to the production of Zhangjiao ceramics, emphasizing the craftsmanship and the origin of the artifacts found in Morindoke.

💡Dragon Jars

Dragon jars are high-fired glazed stoneware jars with impressive dragon decorations. In Chinese culture, dragons symbolize power, strength, and good luck, and are often used to decorate various objects. The video describes dragon jars as part of the archaeological finds in Morindoke, showcasing the artistic and cultural aspects of the trade goods that passed through the region.

💡National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum of the Philippines is the leading government agency tasked with the protection of the country's underwater cultural heritage. The video highlights the museum's role in conducting underwater archaeological excavations and its ongoing efforts to improve the management of underwater cultural heritage, which is crucial for preserving the historical evidence of Morindoke's maritime trade.

💡Barangay Pingan

Barangay Pingan is a specific location in Morindoke where a shipwreck was discovered. The video describes the accidental discovery by a local fisherman and the subsequent excavation that took place from 1981 to 1983, which resulted in the collection of numerous artifacts. This keyword is significant as it marks a specific site of historical and archaeological interest within Morindoke.

💡Barangay Leila Block

Barangay Leila Block is another location in Morindoke where a shipwreck was found. The video mentions that this was a landmark project for the National Museum of the Philippines and represented the first all-Filipino underwater archaeological excavation. This keyword is important as it signifies a milestone in Philippine underwater archaeology and the study of the country's maritime history.

💡Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage encompasses the tangible and intangible aspects of a culture that are inherited from past generations. The video discusses the importance of protecting underwater cultural heritage, which includes shipwrecks and artifacts like those found in Morindoke. This keyword is central to the video's message about the value of preserving historical evidence of cultural and economic interactions.

Highlights

Morindoke is strategically located south of Luzon and has been part of the maritime highway for centuries.

Manila galleons and other vessels engaged in the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade stopped in Marinduque for provisions and trade.

A shipwreck was discovered off the coast of Barangay Pingan, Gaza, Marinduque in November 1980 by a local fisherman.

Archaeologists from the National Museum, in collaboration with a private group, excavated the site from 1981 to 1983.

Over 1260 artifacts were collected from the underwater archaeological excavation.

The artifacts included Chinese blue and white porcelains, known as Zhangjiao or Swatao ceramics.

The ceramics were produced in the Zhengzhao region of Fujian province during the mid 16th to mid 17th century CE.

Dragon jars, high-fired glazed stonewares with dragon decorations, were part of the archaeological finds.

Dragons are considered symbols of power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture.

Most of the dragon jars have been produced in Guangdong and Fujian provinces.

The shipwreck in Barangay Leila Block was a landmark project of the National Museum of the Philippines.

It represented the first all-Filipino underwater archaeological excavation.

Underwater excavations from 2014 to 2016 resulted in the unearthing of wooden ship remains.

Initial finds suggested the wreck possibly belonged to a Spanish patrol boat from the late 18th century CE.

The shipwrecks in Pingangasan and Leilai Buak are evidence of Marinduque's active participation in local and international maritime trade.

The National Museum of the Philippines is the leading government agency tasked with the protection of the country's underwater cultural heritage.

The museum is actively involved in improving the management of underwater cultural heritage.