This model depicts a well conserved cannon that was on board a Portuguese ship that sank near Mozambique island on her return from India mid 16th century. The ship was loaded with Chinese porcelaine from the Ming dynasty, unfortunately looted by a Portuguese treasure hunter company that sold most of the pieces at Christie’s auctions in Amsterdam in 2004.
It is possible to see on the side 3 symbols that allow to date the ship. The first one is the coat of arms of King Manuel 1st. The second symbol is an armillary sphere that was used by the kings of Portugal when they launched a vast world exploration. The third symbol is the smelter of the cannon.
This model is part of the Octopus Foundation 2018 projects, to help the launch of a research center for underwater archaeology in Mozambique.
Comments