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Brick with letters — Maritime Archaeology Museum

Brick with letters

Maritime Archaeology Museum Maritime History Colonical Featured
Period
Colonical
Date
2025-07-22
Materials
Clay
Dimensions
L-19.5cm. W-11.3cm, H-6.5cm. D-46.5cm
Site
Avondstar shipwreck
Inventory
MAMG/2009/B/04

Full Description

A rare type of brick with words embossed on it. It was found in the Avondster shipwreck, but the purpose of this decorative brick is unknown.
Historical Context The brick with embossed lettering, discovered in the Avondster shipwreck off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka, is a rare and intriguing artifact that offers insight into 17th-century Dutch maritime activity and material culture. While the exact function of the brick remains uncertain, its presence on the ship points to the practical and symbolic roles that construction materials played aboard European vessels during the Age of Exploration.

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