No. 237 Maritime Archaeology in the People's Republic of China ...

Bai Jiao 1. The excavation of a shipwreck in
the Dinghai area, Fujian Province, 1995
Acknowledgments
Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Bai Jiao 1 wreck site
excavation has been the opportunity for collaboration between
two cultures. The sharing of expertise and methodology,
the generosity and learning that both the Australian and
Chinese teams contributed, made this excavation especially
rewarding.
The 1995 team wish to thank those who worked previously
in 1990 and initiated the Bai Jiao 1 project . The members
of the Australian team in Dinghai, Peter Burns, Paul Clark,
Jeremy Green, Bob Richards and Bill Jeffery left a legacy of
goodwill that was everywhere apparent. To Karen Atkinson-
Millar whose wonderful organisation skills got the 1995 team
to China and through Customs (accompanied by some 250
kg of baggage), despite the bureaucratic hoops and twists that
were entwined in the process.
The Chinese archaeological team that partook in the
excavation (both in 1990 and 1995) offered leadership and
expertise in the history and archaeology of the Fujian Province.
It was under their guidance that interpretation and analysis of
the material was able to take place.
The work in China is only made possible through
the initiatives laid down by the National Museum of
Chinese History, Mr Zhang Wei; and the National Cultural
Relics Bureau. The overarching body that is responsible
for underwater archaeology is the National Underwater
Archaeology Organisation and it is their foresight that makes
such cooperative work possible. Other support for the project
is primarily provided by the Cultural Relics Bureau of Fujian
Province, Cultural Relics Bureau of Fuzhou City, the Fujian
Provincial Museum, The Cultural Relics Bureau of Lianjiang
County, the government of Lianjiang County, the Dinghai
town committee, and town of Xiao Chen.
From within Australia funding for the project was provided
by the Department of Resources and Development, Western
Australia China Economic and Technical Research Fund
(Chunnar Fund). The author also wishes to thank Jon Carpenter
for his superb underwater camera work and video footage and
for allowing me the opportunity to take on the project.
The 1995 team appreciate all the people of Xiao Chen who
treated us with such warmth and generosity, and the families
of the hotel who welcomed us into their lives.
This report is dedicated to the auspicious Mazhu for her
benevolence and sea-calming powers.
Sarah Kenderdine
July 1995
Introduction
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