Olive? jars

[billfishbelize]

Found five of these jars on a spot after a storm, also several cannon. Anybody know the origin by the shape? Spanish,English? Capt. Bill

[fladiverdown]

Great Find! I am sure that some answers will be headed your way real soon. Any other artifacts found in vicinity?

[pcolaboy]

I'd say with 95% probablility that they are Spanish olive jars. There are many on display here in museums dating from the mid-1500's to the late 1700's with little change in the overall design. If I recall correctly, they were rounded on the bottom so that they had to be shipped on their sides to keep the cork and wax stoppers from drying out. I believe at least one of the displayed jars here contained figs. If not Spanish, I would say that Portuguese would be the next strong contender.

[SteveS]

Those are of the "middle style" (1580-1780) type Spanish olive jars. That particular jar style was called "Botija Perulera."
Anything inside them?

[Tuberale]

Also known as "olla" or olive oil jars. Olive oil was a staple of early trade, and continues through today. Also a diet staple at the time (16th-18th centuries) as well as earlier.

[dustinjuhasz]

Since you have 5 think I could have one? haha JK Great find and congrats!!

[Alexandre]

Try this book:


MARKEN, Mitchel (1994) "Pottery from Spanish Shipwrecks, 1500 – 1800". Miami: University Press of Florida.

[Trez]

My thoughts, I would lean towards Mexico as to where they may have been produced, circa pre-1700.
Common trade goods...to many Countries that sailed into Vera Cruz during the "trade years"
My guess.

Very nice, so you have 5? That is odd, would you care to have 4? Jus asking.

Trez

[inletsurf]

Those are really impressive.

Are there any post-saltwater treatments or restorative processes that need to occur now that they are out of the water?

[signumops]

Carumba!

[keywesttdiver]

100% Spanish jars.....actually the kings of Spain at that time, both Philip iii and Philip iv owned the 'patent' to them and that 'pinkish' color glaze that they used. They also traded them all over the world so..i.e. made by the Spanish [ they produced them in many locations includung Mexico] but could be a shipwreck from another nation who purchased them. So the wreck may not be Spanish. Very nice condition ! Great find!

[rgecy]

Bill, got any picts of the cannon? Bronze? Iron? Was there any ballast stone in the area?

Robert

[RELICDUDE07]

THIS IS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! Could you post some more pics of the others & maybe the cannon PLEASE!

[ScubaFinder]

Great find! Man do I miss diving in Belize. My friend Tulu and I have spent many hours underwater together off Turneffe, and a little known area near Cay Caulker that was most interesting. ;-) I'd do some digging around there for sure, congrats and keep it up!