Archaeological researchers take samples from the attachments on the statues excavated in the waters off Shanhu Island.

 

After an underwater excavation of a shipwreck near the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea, a crew of archaeologists brought back a number of relics from various time periods, including stone construction components and porcelain shards.

The China Archaeology No.1, China’s first vessel for underwater archaeology, completed its 43-day excavation and returned to port at Qinglan Harbor in Wenchang, Hainan Province. This was the second large-scale excavation conducted in the area.
 

Deng Qijiang, head of the archeological team, said they were unable to find a ship hull, but they recovered building materials along with a few pieces of blue-and-white and white-glazed porcelain at the Shanhu Island No. 1 Shipwreck Site.
 

A total of 37 watery and stony items were discovered in the area. According to an expert analysis of the characteristics of excavated ceramic chips, the sunken ship there was built in the late Qing Dynasty and used for transporting stone components.

At the site of Ganquan Island, the team found 17 items from the Song, Ming and Qing dynasties and modern times. The Song relics are mainly scattered pottery pieces with loose quality, smooth fractures and faded glazing color.
 

The Ming and Qing relics include two temples and an ancient well carved out of coral as well as porcelain scraps.