Maritime Archaeology Unit

Explore Our Maritime Heritage

Discover Sri Lanka's underwater cultural heritage through our collection of photographs documenting shipwrecks, artifacts, conservation processes, and expeditions.

Avondster Shipwreck

Hull remains of the 17th century Dutch VOC ship discovered in Galle Harbour

Diver documenting wooden beams of a shipwreck

Underwater Documentation

Diver measuring and documenting wooden structural components of a colonial-era shipwreck

Ship's Anchor

Well-preserved iron anchor from an 18th century British merchant vessel

3D photogrammetry model of shipwreck site

Site Mapping

3D photogrammetry model of a shipwreck site created through systematic digital documentation

Chinese Porcelain

Collection of 17th century Ming dynasty porcelain recovered from a merchant vessel

Bronze Cannon

Ornately decorated bronze cannon from a Portuguese galleon, dated to the early 16th century

Glass Bottles

Collection of 18th century glass bottles that contained wine and spirits for the ship's crew and passengers

Navigation Instruments

Well-preserved navigation instruments including a compass and dividers from a 19th century vessel

Conservator working on ceramic artifacts

Ceramic Conservation

Conservator carefully cleaning and desalinating ceramic artifacts recovered from the seabed

Metal Conservation

Electrolytic reduction treatment being applied to metal artifacts to remove chlorides and stabilize corrosion

Waterlogged Wood Treatment

PEG (polyethylene glycol) treatment of waterlogged wooden artifacts to prevent shrinkage and cracking

Documentation and recording of artifacts

Artifact Documentation

Detailed recording and photography of artifacts for research and archival purposes

Diving team preparing for underwater survey

Expedition Preparation

Diving team preparing equipment for an underwater archaeological survey off the coast of Trincomalee

Underwater archaeological survey in progress

Survey Operations

Archaeologists conducting a systematic underwater survey using grid patterns and markers

Research Vessel

The MAU research vessel equipped with specialized equipment for underwater archaeological operations

Remote Sensing

Team conducting side-scan sonar operations to identify potential underwater archaeological sites

Maritime Museum

The Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle Fort showcasing Sri Lanka's underwater cultural heritage

Artifact Exhibition

Carefully curated display of maritime artifacts with interpretive information for visitors

Educational Programs

School students participating in an educational workshop about maritime archaeology and conservation

Interactive Exhibits

Visitors engaging with interactive displays that explain underwater archaeological techniques

Video Gallery

Explore our documentary videos showcasing underwater expeditions and conservation processes.

Exploring the Avondster Shipwreck

Documentary on the excavation and documentation of the 17th century Dutch shipwreck

12:35

Conservation Techniques

Overview of specialized conservation methods used for artifacts recovered from underwater sites

08:42

Maritime Trade Routes

Documentary on the ancient maritime trade routes connecting Sri Lanka with other civilizations

15:18

3D Models

Explore digital 3D reconstructions of selected artifacts and shipwreck sites.

View 3D Model

Bronze Cannon

Detailed 3D scan of a 16th century Portuguese bronze cannon recovered from a shipwreck

View 3D Model

Avondster Shipwreck

Complete 3D reconstruction of the Avondster shipwreck site showing the distribution of remains

View 3D Model

Celadon Vessel

High-resolution 3D model of a Chinese celadon vessel from the 14th century

Submit Your Photos

Have you captured images related to Sri Lanka's maritime heritage? Share them with us!

We welcome photographs of maritime heritage sites, traditional boats, coastal cultural practices, and other subjects related to Sri Lanka's maritime heritage. Selected photographs may be featured in our online gallery or exhibitions with proper attribution.

Submission Guidelines:

Photos must be related to Sri Lanka's maritime heritage
High-resolution images (minimum 2000px on the longest side)
Include location, date, and brief description
You must own the copyright to the submitted images
By submitting, you grant us permission to use the images for educational and promotional purposes

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Visit Our Maritime Archaeology Museum

Explore artifacts, interactive exhibits, and learn more about Sri Lanka's underwater cultural heritage.

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