Ship Wreck

[Alexandre]

Exactly the same, even the writing.

Nice. It must be from another (or the same) VOC wreck.


( I am really considering doing underwater archaeology consulting online... :) )

[Bertie Horak]

 
@ Alexandre - Why not?  You're good at it, and your replies always make very interesting reading!!  Hey, but will we Oranjemunders be paying a reduced consultation fee? 

[Alexandre]

Hey, I always answer for free - as they say, knowledge is power and I like everybody to be empowered. :)

[Michael Alexander]

Bah! Hambug! you were meant to empower me with a few beers....... I gain great knowledge after a few beers!

[Bertie Horak]

Ja Mike, you'll get your beers, but I think when there's a question about a 1357 wooden dinghy found in the Nile, I'd rather ask Alexandre.  On the other hand, if I wanted to ask which sporting team wears disgusting orange outfits - I'll ask you!  Nah, just joking Mike, we love you lots, and I promise you I'll give you a beer for each of the difficult questions when I visit you in the near future if I'm still welcome at your braai!

[Michael Alexander]

   I appear to be banned from braaing and getting stupid on the weekends.... have to wait for awhile i guess...   

[Rhona]

Banned from getting stupid on the weekends.........a miracle is about to occur 

[Bertie Horak]

Thanks for warning me Mike, I'll just change my plans so I arrive there on a Monday, so we'll have 5 days of questions and beer!

That OK, Michele?  We won't make a noise, promise!  AND we wont make a mess!  AND we'll call it a tea party!

[Michael Alexander]

Oooh! Tea Parties.....I'm allowed to go to those thingys......! 

[SandyB]

And now .. the whole  reunion going to turn  into  one huge tea party ??   Ouch !   

[SandyB]

Which reminds me  Michael ..  you  appear to be shipwrecked and very much on the rocks ...

[Andrew Darné]

Back to the topic and out of the brauhaus

@ Michael, It's not a matter of looking for glory or fame about finding the first artefacts or however sensational one wants to make it sound.
If the right attention was brought to the matter back in September perhaps a lot more artefacts could have been recovered aiding in more detail around the whole scenario. Between September 2007 and April 2008 a lot of mining took place in the 2 areas and the attitude of many in the sites was that of disrespect for the historical and archaeological value of any artefact that was uncovered. So your question carries value... how much has gone to the plant or the seawalls?
No matter how small physically, the object has endless value in piecing together the details of the vessel and its fateful ending. The attitude of "I'm not receiving any reward for reporting or declaring any artefact, why should I bother declaring it..." has a negative impact on the whole research of the actual wreck. So yeah, I can kick myself for not thinking... but it's too late now! We'll just head on with eager interest and curiosity, and THINK in future.

[SandyB]

Out of the " brauhaus " .. well put point of view ...  not looking for glory or fame ..

[Bertie Horak]

Yes, good point Andrew.  It's sad that most people wouldn't care about old artifacts, and wouldn't think twice about driving over them with their 4x4's as well.  Doesn't have to be a pot of gold, it could be a little piece of a "Strandloper" clay pot - it still has a history, with a lesson to mankind attached to it. 
Only problem I have-  I never know if I should pick something up or not - it may be lost if I don't, but it might also be destroyed if I report it to the wrong people!

[Andrew Darné]

That's what worries me too. I often ask the miners at the sites if they have seen any bits and pieces in hope of locating and collecting them with information about location etc to help piece the puzzle together. Many of these guys have no interest in the ship at all and they see it as a hindrance to the mining process. Such a pity.