Copper ingot
- Period
- Historical
- Date
- 2025-08-18
- Materials
- Copper
- Dimensions
- L-143 mm, W-128 mm, THK-24 mm
- Site
- Godawaya Shipwreck
- Location
- Galle > Maritime Archaeology Museum > Gallery 01 > Cabinet 07
- Inventory
- 2024/SL/S/GDV/M/002/016
Full Description
In 2024 and 2025, researchers conducted interviews with local divers, fishermen, and villagers familiar with the site prior to its formal investigation. These interviews, conducted in a respectful and collaborative manner, revealed that a substantial quantity of copper had been salvaged from the wreck before official archaeological efforts beginning 2008. Divers reported that thousands of copper ingots had been salvaged from the shipwreck site.
Conducted an EDS analysis in the copper slag from Godawaya shipwreck the average weights (%) ofCuO, SO3and FeO are 97.91, 1.95 and 0.29 respectively. CuO weight percent values range from 97.00 to 98.59.
Conducted an EDS analysis in the copper slag from Godawaya shipwreck the average weights (%) ofCuO, SO3and FeO are 97.91, 1.95 and 0.29 respectively. CuO weight percent values range from 97.00 to 98.59.
Historical Context
The copper ingots from the Godawaya shipwreck represent a unique archaeological resource for understanding ancient metallurgical production and Indian Ocean trade. Archaeological proximity to the Akurugoda smelting site and the Seruwila ore deposit suggests a potential local link; however, current compositional evidence points towards a non-local source.
