|
Artifacts uncovered from centuries-old shipwreck
August 10, 1997
Web posted at: 3:52 p.m. EDT (1952 GMT)MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- Archaeologists have uncovered a centuries-old shipwreck in the disputed Spratly Islands containing granite stones believed to have been stolen from a tomb, including the possible gravestone of an Armenian merchant who died in the 18th century.
The artifacts are to go on display at the Philippine National Museum.
"These stones are mainly granite stones probably taken from a source in Southeast Asia ... which may have been quarried for the purpose of rebuilding or recycling buildings," said Dr. Eusebio Dizon of the museum.
Filipino fishermen tipped officials off to the shipwreck. French and Filipino divers then found about 1,000 granite stones, some containing motifs of what appear to be floral designs and dancing Hindu women.
Cannons, cannonballs and other artifacts also were retrieved from the wreckage.
According to archaeologists, a gravestone covered in Armenian and Latin inscriptions may have been that of an Armenian merchant who died in 1754.
Dizon believes the findings belong to the Philippines, because the shipwreck is near the largest of eight islands occupied by Philippine troops in the Spratlys, a disputed chain of islands and reefs claimed by the Philippines, China and four other countries.
Archaeologists plan to study the artifacts further before they are released for exhibition at the museum.
Watch these shows on CNN for more sci-tech stories:
CNN Computer Connection | Future Watch | Science & Technology Week
Sound off on our message boards
Tell us what you think!
You said it...
© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.