Nautical Archaeology:

Defined it is - the branch of archaeology that deals with the recovery of ancient objects found beneath the sea, as shipwrecks or remains from submerged islands, and with the techniques of underwater exploration, excavation, and retrieval.

Nautical Archaeology in today’s world is a complex field. It touches on many areas of study and specialties from computer technologies, chemistry, geology, physics, mathematics, science, and photography, to basic artistic skills performed while diagramming shipwreck or other sites. The work that is produced results in vast amounts of data and knowledge gained for the benefit of all mankind so that those who are unable to participate in the activity can “see” and learn about sites without having to physically visit them.

 The main goal of the project is to conduct an in-depth archaeological excavation and recovery of a single shipwreck site. The purpose of the research would be to learn more about our past history and the vessel in great detail. The site work would again be handled using proper archaeological standards and guidelines under the supervision of an experienced nautical archaeologist. It is our desire that the entire collection of artifacts be held as intact as possible to serve as truer representation of the intact former vessel, its cargo, its passengers and crew, and many other interesting facets.

Identification and Archaeology

Archaeology involving shipwreck sites is akin to a crime scene investigation. Meticulous recording of detailed information is complied to allow interested parties to be able to understand the full context of a site in as much detail as possible without physically having to visit it. Sites seldom look like storybook ships sitting undisturbed on the seafloor. They have usually degraded from natural forces into something that looks nothing like a ship to the untrained eye. Identification of centuries old sites usually requires intensive investigation and research. Items found on sites that can give tell tale clues are found in the form of bits and pieces of ceramics & pottery, glass fragments, pipe stems, old coins, ships cannons, bells, and other items of shipboard use.

Procedures

The investigative nature of archaeology presents some inherent risks to damage of artifacts or sites. Our field work procedures follow approved and standard accepted guidelines to ensure that the utmost care is taken to minimize risks. The general operating policy is that no procedure is done to an artifact or site that cannot be un-done.

Recovery and Excavation Equipment

We do not use “blowers or mailboxes”; these are devices that are big elbow shaped tubes mounted on some treasure hunting boats. They operate by re-directing a vessel’s propeller thrust downward to “blow” sand or mud off a wreck site. They unfortunately blow artifacts around, and can damage artifacts and sites.

Monitoring

A primary purpose of the project is to merely indentify unknown submerged cultural heritage resources. There has not been a formal “wreck” inventory done on this part of North Carolina’s coast. By better understanding what the resources are the better they can be preserved for future generations.

Our activities are monitored internally by both the Project Director and the Project Archaeologist, and other team members. Externally we are monitored by the Department of Cultural Resources, Underwater Archaeology Branch. We maintain good communication and take concerns proactively. We maintain activity logs detailing our work; these in turn are provided to the State. We are subject to inspection of our operations and facilities to ensure proper procedures and guidelines are followed. We also operate under the supervision of many other Federal, State, and local groups.

Artifacts

During the investigatory phases of the project, few if any artifacts will be removed. Artifacts recovery will be limited to a small number of diagnostic type items that will help establish site identification. Recovered artifacts will be properly stabilized and conserved for further research.