The copper artifact assemblage from an Ottoman period shipwreck in the Red Sea

Abstract

This thesis is a study of a group of copper alloy artifacts excavated from an 18th-century shipwreck in the Red Sea. The shipwreck is located near Sadana Island off the Egyptian coast and is hence referred to as the Sadana Island shipwreck. The Sadana Island shipwreck provides important insight into the little known nature of maritime activity in the Red Sea region prior to the French invasion of Egypt. In addition to the historical background of Red Sea seafaring, the accounts of contemporary European travelers are examined. These accounts are unique descriptions of seafaring, trade, and travel during this time. The excavation of the shipwreck by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA-Egypt) is discussed followed by a catalogue of the recovered copper alloy objects. The copper alloy artifact assemblage consists mainly of utilitarian galleyware and presents a glimpse into the shipboard lives of the crew. The types represented are common, everyday wares but have never before been documented. Although these types have been used for centuries and are still seen today, their utilitarian nature and basic designs have not attracted any scholarly attention prior to this thesis.