In July 11, 2022, the remarkable story of the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck came to light. Spanning over 800 years, this ancient merchant vessel, which sank off the coast of Yangjiang City in Guangdong Province, China, during the Southern Song Dynasty, was finally unearthed and explored through a groundbreaking underwater archaeological project. Led by Yu Weichao, the pioneer of China’s underwater archaeology, the team named the shipwreck “Nanhai No. 1,” symbolizing their aspirations for the future of underwater archaeology in China.
A Journey from Birth to Maturity: China’s Underwater Archaeology
The discovery of the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck in 1987 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that lasted more than three decades. Excavation efforts uncovered a treasure trove of nearly 200,000 cultural relics, providing invaluable insights into China’s maritime history and shipbuilding techniques. The project mirrored the progress and evolution of China’s underwater archaeology, from its nascent stages to achieving remarkable milestones.
The Quest for the National Treasure
Unraveling the true identity of the shipwreck was a captivating process. Initially mistaken for the Rheinberg, a British ship that had sunk off the coast of Guangdong Province, the team’s meticulous research revealed a different story. The cargo of porcelain and other artifacts found on the ship pointed to its Chinese origin. Recognizing its national significance, the Chinese team halted salvage operations and embarked on a mission to preserve this invaluable national treasure.
The Triumph of the Whole Ship Salvage
Overcoming numerous challenges, archaeologists faced a pivotal decision: whether to conduct underwater excavation or salvage the entire ship as a single entity. Due to poor visibility and the fragility of the ship’s frame, underwater excavation posed significant difficulties. Ultimately, the team opted for the ambitious whole ship salvage plan. In December 2007, after years of meticulous planning and execution, the Nanhai No. 1 was triumphantly lifted out of the water, setting a new precedent for underwater cultural heritage preservation and catalyzing the development of underwater archaeology in China and beyond.
Exploring the Nanhai No. 1 Shipwreck: A Glimpse into History
The Nanhai No. 1, an ancient shipwreck discovered off the coast of Yangjiang City in Guangdong Province, China, has yielded a treasure trove of nearly 200,000 cultural relics. Among these artifacts, the ship’s hull stands out as a significant find. According to Sun Jian, an expert involved in the excavation, the hull of the Nanhai No. 1 provides a valuable example for studying ancient Chinese shipbuilding and maritime history. Unlike many replicas based on records or paintings, this authentic hull offers insights into the engineering drawings of ancient ships.
As a large ocean-going vessel, the Nanhai No. 1 belonged to the category of “Fujian ships” designed for ocean navigation during the Song Dynasty. Its relatively short but wide hull was primarily constructed using pine and fir wood. During the Song Dynasty, China experienced a flourishing period of navigation, and Chinese ships were renowned for their size and safety. These vessels played a crucial role in maritime transportation, carrying foreign envoys and merchants.
The cultural relics recovered from the Nanhai No. 1 also shed light on life during the Song Dynasty. The presence of remains from domestic animals like geese, sheep, and hens indicates that the crew kept poultry and livestock on board for sustenance. The diverse assortment of fruits and nuts, such as plums, olives, betel nuts, and pine nuts, found on the ship offers a glimpse into the culinary history of maritime navigation. Rice and wax gourds, scattered on the deck, suggest the widespread cultivation of these crops during that era. Additionally, objects like ink stones, seals, wooden combs, and statues of the Goddess of Mercy provide vivid glimpses into the daily life of those on board.
The Nanhai No. 1’s location at a strategic point on the Maritime Silk Road underscores its significance to this ancient trade route. The discovery of gold, silver, and copper coins on the ship supports the notion of a thriving commodity economy during the Song Dynasty, which was intricately connected to the global trading system.
Notably, the shipwreck also revealed objects of non-traditional Chinese styles. Exotic earrings, necklaces, and other accessories reflect the influence of Southeast Asian and West Asian cultures. Additionally, a greenish-glazed Dehua porcelain bottle with six arrises showcases a close connection to Arabic style.
In a remarkable development, silk protein was detected in a cabin of the Nanhai No. 1, even though tangible silk relics had not been found. This discovery dispelled the mystery surrounding the absence of silk artifacts along the Maritime Silk Road. It confirmed that silk products were indeed present on board the ship, despite the deterioration of the silk fabrics over 800 years of immersion in seawater and subsequent decay in the mud. The finding reaffirms that silk was transported along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, reaching various corners of the world through the numerous vessels that traversed the route.
The Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck offers a unique cross-section of history, revealing insights into ancient Chinese shipbuilding, maritime trade networks, and cultural exchanges. Its artifacts provide a tangible link to the past, enriching our understanding of the Song Dynasty’s maritime history and its connections to the wider world.
Unraveling Mysteries: Connections to Distant Lands
The diverse array of objects recovered from the Nanhai No. 1 showcased intriguing connections to distant lands. Exotic earrings, necklaces, and artifacts in Southeast Asian and West Asian styles hinted at the ship’s involvement in cross-cultural exchanges. The discovery of a greenish-glazed Dehua porcelain bottle with Arabic influences further emphasized the vessel’s ties to the wider world. Additionally, the detection of silk protein within the ship’s cabin confirmed the presence of silk products, dispelling the long-standing mystery surrounding the absence of tangible silk relics along the Maritime Silk Road.
In conclusion, the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck stands as a testament to the triumphs of China’s underwater archaeology. Through meticulous excavation and preservation efforts, this ancient maritime treasure has unveiled valuable insights into China’s past, maritime trade networks, and cultural exchanges with the world. The Nanhai No. 1 continues to captivate researchers and enthusiasts, inspiring a deeper understanding of China’s rich history and its enduring connection to the sea.
