Sealed seventeenth-century jug opened by Amsterdam researchers

Researchers at the heritage laboratory in Amsterdam have opened a sealed ceramic jug recovered from the seventeenth-century Palmhout shipwreck. The vessel, known as a Bartmann jug, was found deep beneath the captain’s cabin, leading archaeologists to believe it belonged to the ship’s commander.

Because the cork remained intact, the contents were shielded from seawater and oxygen for almost 400 years. Advanced X-ray scans conducted before the opening indicated the presence of an unusual metallic liquid inside.

Opening the vessel

Maritime archaeologist Thijs Coenen noted that while corked jugs containing wine have been discovered before, finding an intact vessel with a metallic substance is entirely new. The contents may provide clues about daily life or medical practices aboard the vessel.

Specialists initially debated whether to leave the container undisturbed or remove the ancient seal. The decision was forced when the cork began to shrink and dry out after being brought to the surface, prompting researchers to extract it carefully before it fell apart.

Source: NH Nieuws