Beneath the Waves: Tracing Contraband Bronze Rings in Nanhai No. I Shipwreck

This study presents a comprehensive archaeometallurgical analysis of 21 bronze rings recovered from the Nanhai No. I shipwreck, a remarkable historical site dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279 AD). The shipwreck, located in the South China Sea, has provided a unique window into the trade and contraband activities of the time. Through a meticulous examination of their composition, microstructure, trace elements, and lead isotopes by SEM, metallography, MC-ICP-MS, and ICP-AES, we unveil the manufacturing techniques, material origins, and the latent details within these seemingly ordinary artifacts. These bronze rings share high-lead content with other Song Dynasty bronzes. They are classified into three groups based on their copper and lead composition, with one group aligning with historical records, hinting at pre-prepared complex alloys designed for specific purposes. The stability of trace elements and lead isotopes in the rings indicates Guangdong region as the most probable source of the raw materials. These findings lead to the speculation that Nanhai No. I may have docked at a Guangdong port to replenish its cargo, including contraband goods such as bronze rings, before departing the Song Dynasty’s territory with minimal scrutiny. In summary, this research enhances our understanding of ancient trade and smuggling practices and showcases archaeometallurgy’s potential in unveiling the untold stories behind historical artifacts.