Author: Lingjing Nie
Nie, Lingjing, 2024 Recovering archaeological context from dispersed Underwater Cultural Heritage: Chinese Batavia ware ceramics from Indonesian waters, Flinders University, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
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This thesis focuses on the examination of the historical and archaeological context of Batavia ware within the Southeast Asia Ceramic Archaeology Lab (hereinafter referred to as SEACAL). The SEACAL collection comprises a set of Batavia ware items lacking proper archaeological contexts, having been subjected to permissive salvage and subsequently dispersed worldwide through middlemen.
The first phase involves a detailed analysis of Batavia ware items in the SEACAL collection. The analysis progresses from physical variables to element compositions, involving techniques such as visual inspection, physical measurements, and scientific analysis of portable X-ray fluorescence (hereinafter referred to as pXRF) for element compositions. This phase aims to understand the characteristics and composition of the Batavia ware within the collection. The second phase includes a cross-comparison of Batavia ware from both maritime and terrestrial sites. The comparison was used to construct a chronological sequence (seriation) for Batavia ware, allowing an exploration of the production and decorative variations over time. Additionally, comparisons were made between Batavia ware in the SEACAL collection and other archaeological discoveries to illuminate their archaeological contexts.
Based on the methodology and results, this thesis suggests that the Batavia ware in the SEACAL collection indicates a similarity in production region and the source of Chinese domestic blue pigment. The possible date period for the Batavia ware was suggested to be in the Qing dynasty, with the Kangxi period having the potential. The thesis underscores the need for further investigation with larger sample sizes and the utilisation of appropriate instruments to refine and expand upon the findings. This involves more extensive analyses and perhaps collaboration with other institutions or researchers. This study also points out that investigations of the so-called Kangxi Cargoes would be helpful for further exploration. This suggests the significance of examining cargoes associated with the Kangxi period for a deeper understanding of Batavia ware.
In summary, the thesis provides a systematic approach to understanding the historical and archaeological context of Batavia ware, trying to address challenges related to permissive salvage, looting, and dispersed artefacts. It establishes potential connections between the SEACAL collection and potential historical periods, emphasising the need for continued research and collaboration to enhance the depth of knowledge in this area.
Keywords: SEACAL, Batavia ware, Maritime heritage, Chinese export porcelain, historical content
Subject: Archaeology thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2024
School: College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Supervisor: Martin Polkinghorne