Field School Overview:

This is a unique opportunity to join ADMAT’s maritime archaeological field school in the historic town of Monte Cristi on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. ADMAT is working with Oficina Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural Subacuático (ONPCS) to conduct a maritime archaeological survey and excavation of this possible French shipwreck.

For most of 2006 and in part in 2007 and 2008, this wreck was subject to an intensive archaeological survey. The new information expanded the original survey conducted in 2000 and yielded over 2,000 artefacts, three iron cannons, three anchors and many important French faience ware sherds.

Research in Paris led by Dr Francois Gendron and Dr. Jean Rosen from CNRS, has confirmed that the faience ware came from the "Nevers" foundry and dates the sinking of this wreck between 1720 and 1723.

Applications are invited from divers, students, archaeologists and volunteers (minimum age 18) wishing to participate in the project. Only eight places per week are available, so this is a unique opportunity to have maximum hands on training.

There are now places for NON Divers on ADMAT's Artefact handling Course. For further information please contact Dr. Spooner on: maritime_archaeology@yahoo.co.uk

Brief History of The Tile Wreck:

The wreck is called The Tile Wreck, due to the cargo which was found in the lower hull. Thousands of terracotta square floor tiles were found, together with shaped and pre cut granite blocks. Clearly the cargo was intended to build something significant as the sheer cost of shipping building materials from Europe to the New World was very costly.

In late 1999 the site was attacked by looters, who removed seven iron cannons from the site and it was decided that an interim survey was required, to ascertain the nationality and nature of the surviving sections of the shipwreck. This was undertaken in 2000, and followed up in 2006 with a major survey and partial excavation.

During the 2006 survey, many pottery sherds were found, indicating a possible French cargo. The lower hull construction remains and provides an excellent insight into the ship construction of the late 1690s to early 1700s. the keelson, mast step, floors and ceiling are mainly intact for the central section.

Field School Objectives  & Methodology:   

The objectives for the 2008 season, are to expand the survey to locate, the bow cant and stern cant frames. In addition the cargo of granite blocks will be measured and then raised so that they can be analysed. It is hoped that there are "key" markings on these blocks and that their original design can be calculated. The team will also work in the lab recording the artefacts already recovered using the specially designed databases. The time will be split between diving days and recording days on an equal basis.

During the diving days, the team will measure and record the remaining structure and archaeological training will be given on survey equipment, which may include ADMAT’s own Underwater Survey Diver course   Pt 1 & 2 (equal to NAS part 1&2),  and various relevant archaeological lectures will also be run, weather and time permitting.

This is a very active field school, with as much diving as we can do. All team members will be expected to muck in and take active part in all tasks. This is not a beach holiday. 

Right: Ast. Excavation Director Christine Nielsen recording the sides of the exposed keel on The Tile Wreck.

Location:

The field school is located in ADMAT's Maritime Archaeological Centre in Monte Cristi, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. The team will be travelling from the accommodation to the boats which are situated at the Club Nautico, to the Tile Wreck which is  is about a mile away. From there the team will go each day by boat through the mangroves to the wreck which is about 15 minutes away.

Right: A diagnostic French Solanée flower design, from the Nevers foundary in France which dated the sinking of the wreck to 1720 -1723.

Below: Google Earth image of Monte Cristi

Below: Google Earth image showing the various locations.

Above Left: A possible "skid beam", one of two found.

Above Centre: The cargo of granite pre cut blocks can be clearly seen.

Above Right: Rami a Dominican team member working to clear Cannon 2, with terracotta tiles in the foreground.

For Further Information on this great project, click on the headings below.

Project Background

Course Content & Fees

Accommodation.& Diving etc.

Information for Participants

Application Form & Dates

ADMAT's Maritime Archaeological Field School Project Equipment, Equipment Sponsors, Contributors & Supporters.

We are grateful to the following companies who are assisting with equipment sponsorship for this exciting project.