Papers by Alessandro Ghidoni
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
Ship timbers were discovered during the excavation of the Islamic site of al-Balīd recycled in th... more Ship timbers were discovered during the excavation of the Islamic site of al-Balīd recycled in the buildings of its citadel and the Great Mosque. These fragments stripped from the hulls of Indian Ocean medieval sewn vessels form the largest collection of archaeological evidence for the ships sailing during the Middle Islamic Period (10th–15th century CE). More than one third of the timbers bears traces of a bitumen mixture used as luting and coating to seal the ships planking to waterproof and protect their hulls, a practice generally associated with sewn-plank construction. This paper presents the result of the GC-MS, carbon and hydrogen isotope on chromatographic fractions, and X-Ray diffraction analyses on twenty-two samples of the luting extracted from fifteen timbers from al-Balīd. The nature of the constituents of the amalgam is determined showing that the luting consists of bitumen mixed with mineral matter, fat or oil and two triterpenic resins, dammar (Dipterocarpacea) and frankincense. The chemical signature of the bitumen indicates that it was likely sourced from two seeps in southwest Iranian: Mamatain and Ain Gir-Chersch Mehrgir-Dehluran. The origin of the bitumen might suggest that the luting was applied during the construction or repairing of Indian Ocean vessels in boatyards along the coasts of the Arabian/Persian Gulf or Southern and Eastern Arabia.
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IOW-Arch, 2022
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Archaeonautica
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International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 2022
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Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies 51 , 2022
The importance of the medieval city of al-Balīd and its harbour was mentioned in many different s... more The importance of the medieval city of al-Balīd and its harbour was mentioned in many different sources, and mirrored by a large
number of finds and pottery that confirm a primary role of the port as a pivotal hub in Indian Ocean trade during the pre-modern
Islamic period (tenth–fifteenth century AD). This paper will examine maritime activities at al-Balīd from a different perspective,
combining recent data from the study of ship timbers discovered at the site with the archaeological record, along with evidence
of possible harbour facilities.
The study of the ship timbers has provided invaluable information about the technology, size, material, type, and function
of the watercraft involved in the trade at al-Balīd. The reuse of these timbers in a terrestrial context also alludes to a variety of
activities carried out at the site, such as boatbuilding, maintenance, repair, and salvaging. Collectively, this data yields useful
insights into the relationship between the different vessels operating at al-Balīd and the structure of the site itself, mainly in
connection with one of the most lucrative commercial activities at the port city — the trade of Arabian horses.
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Article, 2022
This article documents and presents the range of wooden fishing and cargo-carrying watercraft in ... more This article documents and presents the range of wooden fishing and cargo-carrying watercraft in use in the contemporary Zanzibar Channel, Tanzania. The work is based on surveys conducted in 2018 on Unguja, the principal island of the Zanzibar archipelago, and in 2019-2020 in Bagamoyo, mainland Tanzania, and its immediate environs. The authors present a broad typology of the principal wooden vessel types in the form of 3D photogrammetric models, orthographic views, and photographs. The principal construction features and uses of each type are presented and the state of play of contemporary wooden-boat construction in this part of East Africa discussed.
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Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa, 2022
A number of graffiti of ships are to be found engraved into the plaster of the Gereza (Old Fort) ... more A number of graffiti of ships are to be found engraved into the plaster of the Gereza (Old Fort) of Stone Town on Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania. Most of those reported here appear on the ramparts of the southwestern tower, while some are on the western face of the main partition wall separating the western and eastern wards. Although sometimes sketchy, the images suggest a number of vessel types, including a frigate or frigate-built vessel and a number of settee-rigged ocean-going vessels referred to exonymically as ‘dhows’. Some appear to have transom sterns, hinting at particular vessel types, such as the baghla, ghanja, sanbūq or kotia. Two graffiti might also depict the stem heads of the East African mtepe. The graffiti are documented and interpreted in the context of the fort, Oman’s East African empire, and the Indian Ocean dhow trade. The construction history of the building and the vessel types depicted date the graffiti to the mid-late nineteenth century.
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This chapter presents a comparative analysis and synthesis of all the relevant evidence of waterc... more This chapter presents a comparative analysis and synthesis of all the relevant evidence of watercraft in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Historical, archaeological, iconographic and ethnographic data are examined with the aim to provide a picture of the maritime technology in the region that stretches from the Neolithic to recent times, over a period of 7500 years. The study of this evidence reveals the variety of types of watercraft, the traits of their development and the ingenuity of the boatbuilders of this region, but also highlights the continuity with the past, indicated by the persistence of boatbuilding features and methodologies over a vast span of time. Lastly, the chapter describes the different types of traditional vessels that sailed in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman until recent times.
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Egitto e vicino Oriente, 2019
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International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 2020
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This interdisciplinary paper explores the potential of the maritime cultural landscape approach t... more This interdisciplinary paper explores the potential of the maritime cultural landscape approach to a recent preliminary study of the Island of Masirah, south-eastern Oman. Masirah Island is known for its extended occupation and rich archaeological record and in particular its intensive use of marine resources from the Neolithic period until the modern day (Shanfari 1987, Charpentier 2013). The Maritime Footprints project sets out to explore this dynamic maritime cultural landscape through a variety of methodologies. It employs a range of terrestrial and maritime archaeological survey techniques and approaches, mapping selected sites, their geographical context and associated coastal features; it undertakes maritime ethnographic inquiry, studying the traditional boats, their use and change over time; it records oral traditions, and explores memory and practise relating to the sea and maritime activities. Three case studies are identified to explore the changing maritime cultural landscape of the island from prehistory to the modern day in order to reveal a more nuanced appreciation of maritime activity, seafaring, and changing use of the marine resource over time and between the islands two geographically distinct coastlines. Essentially this project aims to identify the maritime character of Masriah Island noting continuity and change over time and space.
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International Journal of Nautical Archaeology
This article documents and presents the range of wooden fishing and cargo-carrying watercraft in ... more This article documents and presents the range of wooden fishing and cargo-carrying watercraft in use in the contemporary Zanzibar Channel, Tanzania. The work is based on surveys conducted in 2018 on Unguja, the principal island of the Zanzibar archipelago, and in 2019– 2020 in Bagamoyo, mainland Tanzania, and its immediate environs. The authors present a broad typology of the principal wooden vessel types in the form of 3D photogrammetric models, orthographic views, and photographs. The principal construction features and uses of each type are presented and the state of play of contemporary wooden-boat construction in this part of East Africa discussed.
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IOW-ARCH 2022, 2022
Following on from the very successful inaugural IOW-Arch conference held on 10th-11th January 202... more Following on from the very successful inaugural IOW-Arch conference held on 10th-11th January 2020, the second IOW-Arch is planned for Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th December 2022. This is being held at the Institute of Arab and Islamic studies (IAIS), University of Exeter, who are generously providing financial support.
Papers are welcome on all aspects of the archaeology, material culture and heritage of the Indian Ocean (defined as from East Africa to Japan, including Australasia) from the first millennium BC to the contemporary era, and may include reports on research in progress. Presentations should be in English (unless you are in the special session organised by Derek Kennet and Ran Zhang, which will be in Mandarin) and must not exceed 15 minutes, with a further 5 minutes allowed for questions.
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International Journal of Nautical Archaeology
Most of the traditional boats still in use in Musandam, Oman, are essentially batātīl or zawārīq.... more Most of the traditional boats still in use in Musandam, Oman, are essentially batātīl or zawārīq. Both types of vessel are described and compared in detail and placed within the larger context of boat types found in the surrounding region. This article attempts to establish a classification based primarily on shape, construction and decorative features, and provides names of individual components in both in Arabic and Kumzari.
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International Journal of Nautical Archaeology
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The Arabian Seas: Biodiversity, Environmental Challenges and Conservation Measures, 2021
This chapter presents a comparative analysis and synthesis of all the relevant evidence of waterc... more This chapter presents a comparative analysis and synthesis of all the relevant evidence of watercraft in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Historical, archaeological, iconographic and ethnographic data are examined with the aim to provide a picture of the maritime technology in the region that stretches from the Neolithic to recent times, over a period of 7500 years. The study of this evidence reveals the variety of types of watercraft, the traits of their development and the ingenuity of the boatbuilders of this region, but also highlights the continuity with the past, indicated by the persistence of boatbuilding features and methodologies over a vast span of time. Lastly, the chapter describes the different types of traditional vessels that sailed in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman until recent times.
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Journal of Oman Studies, 2020
Since 2000 the city port of Al Balid (ancient Zafār), has been inserted among the Unesco World He... more Since 2000 the city port of Al Balid (ancient Zafār), has been inserted among the Unesco World Heritage Sites. Today it is part of the homonymous Archaeological park which includes also the Museum of the Frankincense Land, a botanical garden, and paths for enjoying the lagoon and the surroundings. In April 2016 the Office of the Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Cultural Affairs started a new project at the site, focused on the excavation and the consolidation of the fortified castle (Husn Al Balid). The study of the structure and of its
different constructional phases, the analysis of the materials (pottery and small finds), and the consolidation of the structure are the aims of the project. This paper is going to present some of the results achieved during the recent excavations resumed at the Husn, including the first data coming from the study of the pottery, the imports from East Asia, the ship timbers, and the coins.
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EVO, 2018
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The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 2019
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Papers by Alessandro Ghidoni
IOW-Arch Schedule & book of abstracts.
We are pleased to announce that the full programme for the second IOW-Arch conference.
We have more than 50 papers and presentations over two days with over 80 contributing authors from across the globe.
For more information see: www.iow-arch.com
For those who would like to attend, either in-person or online, please do so here: https://store.exeter.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/college-of-social-sciences-and-international-studies/conferences/indian-ocean-world-archaeology-conference-19th20th-december-2022
number of finds and pottery that confirm a primary role of the port as a pivotal hub in Indian Ocean trade during the pre-modern
Islamic period (tenth–fifteenth century AD). This paper will examine maritime activities at al-Balīd from a different perspective,
combining recent data from the study of ship timbers discovered at the site with the archaeological record, along with evidence
of possible harbour facilities.
The study of the ship timbers has provided invaluable information about the technology, size, material, type, and function
of the watercraft involved in the trade at al-Balīd. The reuse of these timbers in a terrestrial context also alludes to a variety of
activities carried out at the site, such as boatbuilding, maintenance, repair, and salvaging. Collectively, this data yields useful
insights into the relationship between the different vessels operating at al-Balīd and the structure of the site itself, mainly in
connection with one of the most lucrative commercial activities at the port city — the trade of Arabian horses.
Papers are welcome on all aspects of the archaeology, material culture and heritage of the Indian Ocean (defined as from East Africa to Japan, including Australasia) from the first millennium BC to the contemporary era, and may include reports on research in progress. Presentations should be in English (unless you are in the special session organised by Derek Kennet and Ran Zhang, which will be in Mandarin) and must not exceed 15 minutes, with a further 5 minutes allowed for questions.
different constructional phases, the analysis of the materials (pottery and small finds), and the consolidation of the structure are the aims of the project. This paper is going to present some of the results achieved during the recent excavations resumed at the Husn, including the first data coming from the study of the pottery, the imports from East Asia, the ship timbers, and the coins.
IOW-Arch Schedule & book of abstracts.
We are pleased to announce that the full programme for the second IOW-Arch conference.
We have more than 50 papers and presentations over two days with over 80 contributing authors from across the globe.
For more information see: www.iow-arch.com
For those who would like to attend, either in-person or online, please do so here: https://store.exeter.ac.uk/conferences-and-events/college-of-social-sciences-and-international-studies/conferences/indian-ocean-world-archaeology-conference-19th20th-december-2022
number of finds and pottery that confirm a primary role of the port as a pivotal hub in Indian Ocean trade during the pre-modern
Islamic period (tenth–fifteenth century AD). This paper will examine maritime activities at al-Balīd from a different perspective,
combining recent data from the study of ship timbers discovered at the site with the archaeological record, along with evidence
of possible harbour facilities.
The study of the ship timbers has provided invaluable information about the technology, size, material, type, and function
of the watercraft involved in the trade at al-Balīd. The reuse of these timbers in a terrestrial context also alludes to a variety of
activities carried out at the site, such as boatbuilding, maintenance, repair, and salvaging. Collectively, this data yields useful
insights into the relationship between the different vessels operating at al-Balīd and the structure of the site itself, mainly in
connection with one of the most lucrative commercial activities at the port city — the trade of Arabian horses.
Papers are welcome on all aspects of the archaeology, material culture and heritage of the Indian Ocean (defined as from East Africa to Japan, including Australasia) from the first millennium BC to the contemporary era, and may include reports on research in progress. Presentations should be in English (unless you are in the special session organised by Derek Kennet and Ran Zhang, which will be in Mandarin) and must not exceed 15 minutes, with a further 5 minutes allowed for questions.
different constructional phases, the analysis of the materials (pottery and small finds), and the consolidation of the structure are the aims of the project. This paper is going to present some of the results achieved during the recent excavations resumed at the Husn, including the first data coming from the study of the pottery, the imports from East Asia, the ship timbers, and the coins.
This paper presents the result of the GC-MS, carbon and hydrogen isotope on chromatographic fractions, and X-Ray diffraction analyses on twenty-two samples of the luting extracted from fifteen timbers from al-Bal ̄ıd. The nature of the constituents of the amalgam is determined showing that the luting consists of bitumen mixed with mineral matter, fat or oil and two triterpenic resins, dammar (Dipterocarpacea) and frankincense.
The chemical signature of the bitumen indicates that it was likely sourced from two seeps in southwest Iranian: Mamatain and Ain Gir-Chersch Mehrgir-Dehluran. The origin of the bitumen might suggest that the luting was applied during the construction or repairing of Indian Ocean vessels in boatyards along the coasts of the Arabian/ Persian Gulf or Southern and Eastern Arabia.