The Lost Forest
Page 27
Chapter 27
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Brunei Museum represented by its director Hassan bin Gossin and John Ennis, representing Archaeological Research and Exploration Inc., in which it was agreed that a consortium would be formed to explore and excavate the wreck. The key point of discussion was to whom would the artefacts recovered belong to? It was stated that the National Museum would get the first choice, with thirty percent of the objects recovered, and the remainder would be the property of the consortium with an obligation to provide a record of all items disposed of.
South China Sea Exploration Sdn Bhd., was approved by the Brunei authorities on the basis of their impeccable credentials, for a number of years they were officially authorized by the Ministry of Culture of neighbouring Malaysia to carry out archaeological exploration and excavation.
The agreement signed by Ennis with the Brunei authorities allowed them to keep seventy percent of all recovered antique porcelain and pottery, which they were allowed to sell with export permits issued by the Brunei National Museum, also necessary for the importation of the objects into other countries requiring a certified export license from the country of origin.
They were to work in close co-operation with the Brunei Department of Museums and Antiquities to excavate the site, recovering the junk’s cargo, inventorying the artefacts then treating them for protection against the effects of the atmosphere after the centuries spent beneath the sea. After they were to prepare museum monographs, plan exhibitions and compile catalogues. In addition to this they compiled archaeological reports and trained Brunians in archaeology, conservation and scientific reporting systems.
The advantage of a well financed, specialised, organisation, compared to a group of amateur or individual explorers, working in undersea archaeology, was its scientific approach. Archaeological Research and Exploration Inc., could hire experienced divers, with if necessary the participation of scholars and experts, working with highly professional and systematic methods.
After receiving the permit to excavate the site, it was calculated that the cargo could be recovered by the following September, then on completion of research and restoration work, a series of exhibitions were planned to present the entire collection, first in Brunei followed by a tour of international museums.
Excavation permits issued by the Minister of Culture allowed qualified companies to excavate historical shipwrecks under certain conditions. The company was required to finance all operations, make proper records of all artefacts, provide detailed catalogues, sketches, photograph and preserve, conserve and restore artefacts using international standards. Any remains of a ship structure had to be measured and drawn so that every detail of the ship was recorded, together with the location, and description of the cargo and stowage.
A certificate of deposit of 250.000 Brunei dollars at the International Bank of Brunei, was provided as a guaranty to cover work on the wreck with a list of equipments to be imported, and finally the names of all archaeologists, certified divers and other personnel with applications for their temporary work permits to the authorities.
In such wrecks the cargos often consisted of large numbers of similar goods, normally more than enough to satisfy the need of museums and study collections. After the historical content of a wreck was scientifically recorded and documented, the sale of surplus material was justified by the Brunian authorities.