Historical Development of Asian Anchors,as Evidenced by Two Wooden Anchors Found in Northern Vietnam

This article presents the result of research on two large wooden anchors recently identified in Hanoi, Vietnam. Some features of the anchors show similarities with anchors originating from East Asian regions, but the research demonstrates that they are probably from ships locally constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the attempt to clarify the origin of these anchors, it was discovered that there has been little discussion on the historical development of anchors in East and Southeast Asia. Therefore, this article will also assess the significance of the two anchors in the regional evolvement of anchors. © 2010 The Authors     

A group of 20 stone anchors from the waters of Dwarka, on the Gujarat Coast, India

A large number of stone anchors were discovered in a water depth of 10–14 m off Dwarka during the 1998–99 season. The seabed near the anchors consists of a ledge with an average height of 1 in. Several anchors were found trapped between the rocks suggesting an anchorage. Twenty stone anchors of three types were loacted in a submerged channel on the southern side of the site. The grapnel type of anchor is associated with Indo-Arab trade between the 8th and 16th centuries AD. The triangular or composite anchors have a date ranging from 2500 BC to the Modern Period. Therefore, the dating of these anchors at Dwarka is a matter of concern and is discussed.     

A set Archaic anchor arm exposed within P. oceanica matte at Klazomenai/Liman Tepe,Turkey: A contribution for understanding marine stratigraphy

Excavation in Posidonia oceanica matte in the ancient harbor of Klazomenai/Liman Tepe, on the Aegean coast of Turkey, demonstrates the stratigraphic archaeological potential of underwater excavation. Among the finds is a fractured wooden anchor arm exposed in situ. The anchor arm dates to approximately 600 b.c. based on stratigraphically associated ceramics, a dating supported by radiocarbon. The arm was found embedded in this marine sediment, which preserved the arm in its set position within the ancient sea floor. This archaeological excavation through matte and silt harbor sediments overturns the misconception that stratigraphic excavation is impossible in a marine environment. The excavation further boosts optimism regarding the preservation of maritime heritage along the littoral of the eastern Aegean and the many other Mediterranean regions where Posidonia oceanica grows.     

Lead anchor-stock cores from Tektas Burnu, Turkey

Four sets of lead anchor-stock cores have been found recently on the 5th-century BCE Greek shipwreck at Tektag Burnu, Turkey. The anchor type these cores represent was the earliest departure from the use of stone in anchor construction. Scholars have dated this technological advance to c . 400 BCE, but the Tektas Burnu cores now indicate that the anchor type already existed in the third quarter of the 5th century BCE.     

Stone anchors from the Mediterranean coasts of Anatolia, Turkey: underwater surveys and archaeometrical investigations

This study is mainly based on the expeditions and underwater study of stone anchors from the Cilician coast, Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology and the Kaš Uluburun wreck. The stone anchors found on the Cilician coast are very similar to eastern Mediterranean stone anchors with respect to shape and characteristics. The stone anchors from BMUA and KUW were examined by thin section and XRD analysis. They are made of volcanic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The study indicates that the anchors are similar to others found in the Mediterranean.     

Demonstration Survey of Prehistoric Reef‐Net Sites with Sidescan Sonar,near Becher Bay,British Columbia,Canada

Sidescan sonar was deployed in challenging shallow‐water conditions to demonstrate the potential for recording anchor‐stones left on the sea‐bed from prehistoric fishing operations. In less than three hours the survey successfully mapped a reef‐net site originally recorded in 1985 by diving archaeologists over many hours. In addition, 8 km of coastline were surveyed, resulting in the discovery and recording of one new underwater reef‐net site. Our understanding of evolving subsistence practices of the Straits Salish, for whom reef‐net fishing was a critical activity, may be enhanced by this survey method which provides cost‐effective access to data not otherwise being recorded. © 2011 The Authors     

A Different Configuration for the Quarter‐Rudders on the Khufu I Vessel (c.2566 BC), and Egyptian Methods of Mounting Quarter‐Rudders and Oars in the 4th and 5th Dynasties

A review of the Khufu I vessel (c.2566 BC) and contemporary Egyptian iconography (c.2613–2345 BC) suggest this vessel was originally fitted with six pairs of quarter‐rudders, instead of one pair. Furthermore, quarter‐rudders may have been mounted on knob‐shaped thole‐pins, instead of crossbeams. The iconography also suggests that each quarter‐rudder was fitted with a loom‐line and specialized grommet, and rowers may have used a similar system to mount their oars. Finally, a recently published depiction of Sahure sailing a boat may show an anchor secured on the stern deck. © 2011 The Author