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Maritime Archaeology and the Arqueonautas Company

Nikolaus Graf v.u.z. Sandizell One of the main principles of Arqueonautas, when initiated in 1994, was to survey and excavate historical shipwrecks only if the full scientific back up could be secured. The aim was not to develop into another "treasure hunting company" but rather to operate successfully as a privately funded "maritime archaeological organization".

To fulfill this pledge and produce results to the highest possible academic standards Dr. Margaret Rule CBE, FSA, was invited to chair the Scientific Board of Arqueonautas as advisor on maritime archaeology.

Arqueonautas was able to live up to this demanding criteria and has today accumulated solid know-how in marine survey, excavation and conservation techniques structured within sound methodologies established in 1995, which happily conform to the standards of work enshrined in the "International charter on the protection and management of underwater cultural heritage" ratified by the 11th ICOMOS ("International Council on Monuments and Sites") General Assembly, Sofia, 1996. Also a computer-based system for data storage and management was introduced, which resulted in a large comprehensive database (please note that every object has a unique number which relates directly to our database). This allows today for first class documentation and scientific publications, preserving our findings not only for academic purposes but also for the benefit of the general public to see through this unique "window to history".

In August 1995 an exclusive concession agreement was negotiated between Arqueonautas and the Republic of Cape Verde. By its terms a joint enterprise with the Government was established both parties being on equal terms, with the Government having entitlement to any objects of "national patrimony". In accordance with the agreement important or valuable objects have been replicated for public display and the entire project archive to remain in Cape Verde. In addition, local students were to be trained in the methods of maritime archaeology and conservation so that a national team could continue the work once the licence had expired.

What started in 1994 as a concept became reality in November 1995 when the survey vessel 'Southern Star' commenced a search - and - survey of the archipelago. Within 10 months almost 50% of the entire coast of the islands had been covered, resulting in the discovery of over 100 historic and modern wrecks. Sadly most of these had been plundered and vandalized over the years and invaluable information lost!

In September 1996 Mensun Bound agreed to direct reconnaissance and excavations on a number of shipwrecks carefully selected as prime targets. And, in 1997 Aquascan International Ltd. undertook further non-intrusive survey on shipwrecks (directed by Dr. Margaret Rule) on the Rifona Reef at Boavista, the most notorious ship-trap in the entire archipelago. Despite massive magnetic anomalies, which were filtered with the help of sophisticated software especially developed for this purpose, important information was retrieved. A clear distribution pattern emerged from the debris left by the 'Hartwell' and two other important East India traders located nearby.

Since 1998 excavation has concentrated on nine shipwrecks. The recovered artifacts were all conserved at the Arqueonautas Conservation Center in Praia. Approximately 45.000 coins and over 3.000 other artefacts and shipwreck material have so far been treated at this facility.

Today, almost a thousand artefacts are the property of the Government of Cabo Verde, some of which are already on display in the National Museum at Cidade de Praia since 1998. A Maritime Museum is presently being constructed in Mindelo to host the large amount of artefacts resulting from this project. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture is organizing a travelling exhibition displaying some of the most important objects.

It is entirely thanks to the dedication, loyalty and enormous efforts of the Arqueonautas team, my family who never stinted in their support and the great co-operation and support of the Government of Cape Verde, that we are now able to present this unique collection of shipwreck objects to the public. With this auction the circle closes on a complex and immensely challenging, project.

More about Arqueonautas
- Arqueonautas Official Web Site

More about Maritime Archaeology
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