Smuggling and Distribution Routes of the Manila Galleon. The case of some XVI century Chinese porcelains and majolica in the Pacific coast of Mexico

Summary

In 2006 a survey was carried out in the north coast of Guerrero, Mexico that pointed to possible smuggling activities related to the route of the Manila Galleon. Several dozen shards of Chinese porcelain were recorded. Analysis of the Chinese porcelain determined that the collection was part of one depositional event and can be attributed to the late XVI century. In the collection are several common types such as phoenix plates, bowls and cups. Related to the porcelain was a ceramic type known as Romita Sgrafitto, which at the moment, its origin was unknown. Analysis of this ceramic with Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, made it possible to reconstruct distribution routes of the galleon trade previously unknown, as well as hypothesize about smuggling activity in the coast, something that is known form historical accounts but not from the archaeological record.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Manila Galleon Archaeology in the American Continent   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2017

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 174