Some Challenges and Issues in Underwater Cultural Heritage in Southeast Asia
Paper Title
History and Current status of Underwater Cultural Heritage in Cambodia
Paper Abstract
Since early times, waterways have been important elements for communication and the most reliable form of transportation providing passage for the movement of people, trade and culture. The first glimpses into the maritime past of Cambodia begin from the legend of the founding of the Khmer Kingdom of which there are various versions. Archaeological evidence of Cambodia’s maritime past can be seen submerged in its waterways. For example, a shipwreck loaded with artifacts was recently discovered in the Cambodian sea. Many other wrecks have been reported along the various waterways of the country, and have yet to be examined.
It is only now, however, that Cambodia is beginning to progress and build its capacity in maritime archaeology, after the country became the first, and only, Southeast Asian Country to ratify the UNESCO convention on the protection of underwater cultural heritage. This paper seeks to present a description of important recent works carried out in the whole country, particularly the survey, as well as define gaps relating to the preservation and management of maritime archaeological resources.
Mr Nady Phann Deputy Director General Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts CAMBODIA phannady@yahoo.com—————————————————-
Paper Title
Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Philippines: Prospects for the ratification of the 2001 UNESCO Protection of the UCH Convention
Paper Abstract
The archipelagic nature of the Philippines and its strategic maritime location in the South China Sea gives an indication of the country’s significant underwater cultural heritage. Indigenous and foreign watercraft dating from the 3rd century C.E. has been discovered, excavated, exhibited and published by the National Museum of the Philippines and in collaboration with local and foreign research entities.
However, the management and protection of this cultural heritage is far from perfect. Inadequate financial support from the government, weak legislation and enforcement and lack of qualified personnel are cited as some of the reasons. This is coupled with the ever active threat of pillage and destruction from treasure hunters, illegal fishing methods and the dive tourism industry. As such, the National Museum’s role as the leading government agency tasked with the conduct and management of the country’s underwater cultural heritage and the advance of underwater archaeology to an academic practice remains a challenge.
The introduction of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region through the Regional Workshop in Hong Kong in 2003 with the aim of ratification has been an uphill battle, with Cambodia the only country to ratify the said convention in the Southeast Asian region thus far. This paper examines the impact of the 2001 Convention in the Philippines and examines the prospects for its ratification.
Mr Wilfredo P. Ronquillo Scientist II and Curator II Archaeology Division National Museum of the Philippines PHILIPPINES wpronquillo@yahoo.com Mr Bobby C. Orillenada Museum Researcher II Archaeology Division National Museum of the Philippines PHILIPPINES bobbyorillaneda@yahoo.com —————————————————-
Paper Title
The Old Biray in Pandan, Caoayan: An underwater cultural heritage assessment
Paper Abstract
This paper presents the preliminary assessment arising out of a survey of Pandan Site (NM Site Code I-2011-I1), a maritime site featuring an abandoned traditional Biray vessel located along the Mestizo River in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, Northwest Luzon. The site position is perpendicular to the West Philippine Sea (formerly South China Sea) and lies under an abandoned Abra Delta. It is considered as an inland and coastal boat. The structural remains of the vessel has a length of 18m and a width of 5m. It is visible during low tide and is characterized by flat hull with ribs, pointed bow and stern. Initial investigation did not observe any evidence of a keel. Based on local oral histories, the boat may be between 80 to 150 years old.
The role of this traditional vessel in the Northern Luzon trade network extending as far south as Manila to as far North as the Babuyan Channel is re-examined. An integral part of this research is the re-evaluation of Biray and its cargo that traces old Biray trading routes. The paper also covers “historical data” on structure and construction of the boat that can come in handy for future maritime excavation of the vessel.
The context, environment and condition of the site are also described. Moreover, it identifies the significance and vulnerability of the site. This concludes with an evaluation of the vessel and the position of the site as regards to underwater cultural heritage.
Ms Marie Grace Pamela G. Faylona Archaeology Division, National Museum of the Philippines PHILIPPINES pamelafaylona77@gmail.com . Mr Michael Armand P. Canilao Archaeological Studies Program, University of the Philippines PHILIPPINES migscanilao@gmail.com . Ms Eliza Agabin Provincial government of Ilocos Sur PHILIPPINES eagabin@yahoo.com—————————————————-
Paper Title
Understanding shipwrecks: filling in the missing local history
Paper Abstract
Archaeological evidence of contact and exchange can be found in many sites in Indonesia, each of which has distinctive features in terms of quantitative and qualitative data. This evidence can be correlated with differences in intensity of contact, distance from main trade routes, time period, availability of socioeconomic networks, and character of the environment. Different areas of the Archipelago experienced different levels of socioeconomic complexity because of many factors including local resource distribution and topography, which in turn affected the nature of contact with foreign traders. Contacts between resource-providing areas and outsiders who sought these resources have affected the development of local cultures. This paper examines relations between sites on the Asian mainland and islands with Asian and European countries. Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic and Christian ideas and material culture were intensively and widely distributed in the Indonesian Archipelago from the seventh century onward. Communities made contact by sea and by rivers, as well as overland along roads, including paths and tracks. Archaeological data supported the activities of the contact, such as Hindu and Buddhist temples, Chinese temples, Mosques, Churches, forts, ceramics, beads, statues (made from stone and metals), and shipwrecks. While historical data gives information on the varieties of Indonesian commodities, such as sandalwood, cloves, nutmeg, mace, agricultural products, and socio-political aspects of the past.
Historical studies hint that local interior trading systems flourished. Some trading activity by sea and river was risky not only because of pirates but also weather. Hundred of shipwrecks are believed to be within Indonesia seas. Preliminary research is trying to find the locations of shipwrecks in order to understand the distribution of shipwrecks. Information about shipwrecks is mostly collected from the local people—especially the coastal people—then rechecking underwater by divers. However, the study of shipwreck is always a single object and usually only discusses the artifacts found from the shipwreck.
Based on the information above, there are many data which could be help in understanding the past from the shipwreck. How would it be if the ship had reached the local harbour? Who would buy the artifacts? What would have happened with the locals if they used the artifacts? Is there any tangible artifacts and intangible culture which could be related to the development of the harbours or the local kingdom? Is there any ‘missing link’ of the local history which is found from the shipwreck? This paper will analyse the effect of shipwreck and understanding the role of local history behind the shipwreck. This paper will study the correlation of shipwreck found in the Batam and Cirebon regions of Indonesia with the history of those two places.
Dr Widya Nayati Lecturer -Archaeology Department Gadja Mada University INDONESIA widyamayati@yahoo.com—————————————————-
Paper Title
Can tourism exploitation of UCH be incompatible with the UNESCO 2001 Convention?
Paper Abstract
Tourism is a major factor of economic growth in many countries especially in developing countries. In 2010, tourism accounted for about 8% of Thailand’s GDP. In a way tourism is commercial exploitation. But is it against Annex Rule 2 of the UNESCO Convention on Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001)? In the Annex, only active commercial exploitation –trading, selling, buying and bartering– of the finds is obviously forbidden. Yet, there might be other passive commercial exploitations like tourism which are not stated.
Can tourism be an alternative source of fund for UCH site protection and management? Because of the country’s commercial benefits gained from promoting tourism, it can be argued that tourism exploitation is one of the commercial exploitations in Annex Rule 2. Additionally, for tourism, the sites have to be opened for public which may cause the tension to in situ preservation and physical protection of sites. Also, it could create the direct effects, such as damages to the sites by drivers in souvenir hunting and treasure hunting, etc.
On the other hand, tourism can be a successful tool to get people involved and raise awareness which is essential in the safeguarding of UCH. Furthermore, under Rule 7 of the Annex, it allows knowledge sharing with the public but only when it is not incompatible with the proper protection and management of the sites. In other words, public approach could possibly be applicable only in appropriate ways. However, it does not expressly mention about tourism exploitation.
Tourism exploitation can bring good fortune to countries as well as many advantages for UCH. Therefore, the prohibition may lead to absurd results. Countries may find it difficult to find financial subsidy and raise pubic awareness for sustainable protection of UCH. Simultaneously, the public is unable to enjoy leisure activities and gain knowledge from the conserved sites.
Ms Abhirada Komoot Student Thammasat University THAILAND komoot_a@yahoo.com —————————————————-Paper Title
Project Approach to the Establishment of Underwater Heritage Management in the Kingdom of Cambodia
Paper Abstract
The establishment of Underwater Heritage Management under the leadership of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts starts as a project to set the current boundaries and limitations of underwater archaeology, culture, and heritage management. The basis for the organization is the UNESCO Convention on Underwater Cultural Heritage and the International Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) adapted in November 2001. Cambodia is the only SE Asian country to ratify of the convention. Phase 1 is project start-up or the basis for all that is to follow. Once the basic framework is established “Project Start-UP” would be complete and another project established to take the Ministries efforts to the next stage of development, and subsequent projects would continue to strengthen, and grow the organization. As the proposed development entails a series of never ending small projects, no matter how simple or complex, the process is the same: Defining the Requirements; Specific outcomes: results; Define start and end dates; Establish budgets/resources: people, funds, equipment, facilities, and information
What are the results? Before results can really be defined people in positions of authority must start the process by defining what desired results are expected. The results are simply an interpretation of the UNESCO convention and how it applies to Cambodia. A mission statement and a basic name for the organization may be the first order of business. After the mandate has been established and a “project manager” (Ministry Director) assigned the project starts and the end date can now be set based on requirements of resources and definition of terms such as the following, among many: Maritime cultural property; Limits of authority on the sea…..and interior to Cambodia (lakes, rivers, baray [ancient Khmer reservoir); Authority under existing Cambodia law; what personnel do we need with what skills; what equipment is required and when.
At this stage a comprehensive view of future requirements should begin to take shape i.e. conceiving Phase 2, 3, 4, 5 and where it is anticipated that the organization will be in 5 years or more. With each project the following takes place in this order: The Define phase: Establishing the plan; defining what is trying to be accomplished and WHY. The Start phase: Getting ready, getting set; the organization and the people involved. The perform phase: Go do it!; tracking progress and maintaining control, encouraging performance. The Close phase: STOP!
Mr Heng Kamsan Deputy Director of Archaeology and Prehistory Department Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts CAMBODIA hengkamsan@yahoo.com—————————————————-
Paper Title
The Belitung shipwreck site after commercial salvage in 1998
Paper Abstract
The Belitung Shipwreck Site, located at 17 m depth in Belitung waters, Indonesia, is a shipwreck site containing Tang Cargo Treasure that was lifted by private salvage companies, PT. Sulung Segara Jaya and Seabed Exploration Company in 1998. The salvaging process is done without involving Indonesian archaeologist. The ship is an Arab dhow with 15.5 m long that includes 60,000 pieces artifacts from Tang Dynasty period. At present these artifacts are under the management of Singapore Sentosa Leisure Group.
In 2010, the Office for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Jambi conducted the first underwater archaeological survey at the Belitung Shipwreck site in order to find out the recent conditions of the site after salvaging in 1998. The result shows that the site is extremely ravaged, where unidentified ceramic fragments spread out in a radius of ± 20 m². It seems clear that the ceramics fragments have been removed by the company then thrown back into the sea because they were considered non-commercial. Meanwhile, the shipwreck was not found anymore. It was only a big form hole with 6 m wide and 15 m long, which seems to be the ship place. The remaining wrecks are now just a few small wood fragments and a sizable chunk of wood sitting, seems as a mast foundation. Because of the Belitung Shipwreck is recognized worldwide as an extremely valuable find in Indonesian waters, the conservation efforts are needed to remind future generations that the shipwreck site is very important for underwater archaeology in Indonesia. Some conservation efforts that can be done are legal protection, site rehabilitation, and establishing a maritime museum in Belitung Regency. The last has been initiated 2 years ago with the aim to preserve artifacts from Belitung Shipwreck site and other underwater sites in Bangka Belitung Province
Mr Agus Sudaryadi Coordinator for Underwater Archaeology Office for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Jambi Ministry of Culture and Tourism INDONESIA agussudaryadi@gmail.com —————————————————-
