The Lead Ingots from the Wreck of the Zuiddorp (1712), Western Australia: a report on their provenance and manufacture

Abstract

The Dutch United East India Company ship Zuiddorp vanished on its way to Batavia in 1712 – its last port of call was the Cape of Good Hope. After its wreck was found on the Western Australian coast, archaeological investigations resulted in the retrieval of 21 lead ingots. Recent study of this artefact assemblage, comprising both great pigs and pieces, suggests that they were of north English origin. Historical records indicate that the Dutch procured large quantities of lead from English sources and maritime trade links between English and Dutch ports were well established at the beginning of the 18th century.

© 2012 The Authors

Key words:

• lead ingots
• ballast
• Zuytdorp
• Zuiddorp
• VOC
• 18th century

Acknowledgements

First and foremost, the authors would like to thank Mark Coxon, Kim Farmer, Mark Polzer, and Lynn Willies for their assistance and support. Special thanks also to the staff of the Department of Maritime Archaeology at the Western Australian Museum, especially Patrick Baker, Kate Dent, Jeremy Green, Jennifer Rodrigues, Corioli Souter, and Myra Stanbury. At the University of Western Australia, thanks to Alistair Paterson and Martin Porr.