Ancient Ship Discovery in Melaka Unveils Maritime History
MELAKA, Oct 31 (Bernama) — A remarkable archaeological find in Pulau Melaka is poised to transform our understanding of the region’s maritime history. A wooden plank, believed to be part of a ship dating back 1,200 to 1,300 years, was uncovered during an excavation led by the National Heritage Department (JWM) in collaboration with the Melaka Museum Corporation (Perzim) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). This discovery predates Melaka’s recorded history, which began around the 13th century, and suggests a long-standing tradition of maritime expertise in the area.
Significance of the Discovery
JWM Deputy Commissioner Ruzairy Arbi highlighted the significance of the find, noting that the size and construction materials of the ship indicate advanced maritime skills existed in Melaka long before the arrival of Parameswara. The excavation revealed various ship components, including the body, bow, and planks, with the ship estimated to measure between 50 to 70 meters in length. This size surpasses that of previously discovered vessels, such as the Mendam Berahi.
During the third phase of the excavation, a large wooden block was also unearthed, which is believed to be part of the ship’s main structure. Ruzairy mentioned that two wood samples have been sent to Beta Analytic Lab in the United States for analysis. The findings indicate that the ship was constructed using local timbers, such as saga and merbau wood, showcasing the shipbuilding technology prevalent in the Nusantara region during that era.
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Preliminary analyses suggest that the ship’s design aligns with the construction techniques used by nobility during Melaka’s golden age, rather than those of ordinary trading vessels. Additional artifacts, including coinage and porcelain fragments found at the site, further support this assertion. Ruzairy noted that the ship’s dimensions and thickness are comparable to those of noble vessels, likening it to a modern yacht owned by royalty.
Future Plans for the Excavation Site
Project head Muhammad Termizi announced plans for the careful disassembly of the ship’s components for conservation purposes. Once the excavation and documentation are complete, secondary findings, such as shards of porcelain bowls and coins believed to date back to the era of Sultan Mahmud, will be displayed to the public. The team aims to uncover the original positions of each ship component, including the mast and stern, to gain insights into the vessel’s construction and its historical significance.
Interestingly, the excavation revealed no signs of iron or metal nails, indicating that traditional shipbuilding techniques, such as the use of copper nails or dowels, were employed. This method is still practiced by shipwrights in Makassar, Sulawesi today. The ongoing research promises to enrich the historical narrative of Melaka and its maritime heritage.
