SUBMERGED HISTORY - The Marinduque Shipwrecks

Summary

Morindoke, 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.