Revisiting the Highbourne Cay Shipwreck Site: Research Potential, Conservation in situ, and the future of Bahamian Material Culture

Summary

The Highbourne Cay Shipwreck, found in the Exumas, Bahamas, is the most intact example of a ‘Ship of Discovery’ in the world. The identity and purpose are still unknown, yet a recent, non-intrusive visit to the site recorded no obvious signs of damage to the ballast mound. Because the site has been disturbed and re-covered on two documented occasions, valuable reflexive questions can be asked decades later regarding the effectiveness of conservation in situ. Soon, the Bahamas will be lifting their moratorium on public salvage, and a major change to the Bahamian national approach is needed in order to protect and manage their underwater cultural resources.  With little infrastructure designated for artifact conservation in the islands, and sparse support for the National Museum System, it seems highly unlikely that artifacts lifted through salvage could be properly cared for within the Bahamas at this current state. 

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2015   •
• Recent Developments in the Study of Hull Construction

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 227