MARITIME EXPLORATIONS
Bakau Wreck
(Early 15th Century)
Background
The Bakau Wreck is yet another fishermen find. It lies near the island of Bakau in Karimata Strait, Indonesia. Mike Flecker visited this site in 1999, when very little of the original cargo remained. The wreck lay at the base of a reef, with a large coherent section of hull surviving. The hull was originally divided by bulkheads, and planks were edge-joined with diagonal iron spikes, a clear sign of Chinese construction. The ceramics cargo and carbon dating indicated a wreck of the early 15th century, which makes it one of the earlier examples of Chinese shipping in Southeast Asian waters.
Spread
As the wreck lay at the base of a fringing reef, close to shore, a modified fishing boat was used for operations. Hooka with in-water decompression was chosen as the diving system. Excavation was carried out with water dredges. Lift bags were also used extensively.
Recovered Cargo
The main cargo on this ship consisted of very large storage jars of Siamese origin. Indications are that they contained organic contents. There was also a selection of Chinese Longquan ware, Sukhothai and Sawankhalok ceramics, and some very delicate fine-paste-ware in the form of kendis.
More Details
· The Bakau Wreck was found in 24 m of water just off Bakau Island, which lies on the western side of Karimata Strait, Indonesia. The ship came to rest at the base of an offshore reef, and coral now covers a large portion of the hull remains.
· Somewhat unusual in a tropical reef environment, a large part of the lower hull has survived. Pieces of bulkheads and frames, hull planks edge-joined with iron nails, and the positive identification of temperate timber species, collectively prove that this is a Chinese ship. Very few have ever been found in Southeast Asian waters.
· Despite heavy looting by fishermen, a remarkably diverse ceramics cargo remained. There are Sukhothai and Sawankhalok wares from Thailand, Longquan wares from China, and a few underglaze decorated bowls from Vietnam. But dozens of huge Siamese storage jars, containing organic materials, formed the most impressive element of the cargo. The ship seems to have been destined for Indonesia having called in at several northern ports.
· Radiocarbon dating, legible Chinese coins, and stylistic analysis of the ceramics, allow for the conclusive determination of an early 15th century date. The Bakau Wreck is contemporary with the voyages of Admiral Zheng He.
Cargo Disposition
The Bakau Collection was purchased from Seabed Explorations by the Resorts World Maritime Experiential Museum. Some pieces were of display but they have now been removed.
Publication
The Bakau Wreck: an Early Example of Chinese Shipping in Southeast Asia, Flecker, M., International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, Volume 30(2), 2001.
