Nautical Archaeology in Ecuador
Based on the article: Jijón Porras, J. A. (2019). "Arqueología subacuática en el Ecuador: estado de la cuestión." Revista De Historia, Patrimonio, Arqueología Y Antropología Americana, (1), 5-21.
Introduction
The Republic of Ecuador possesses a maritime territory that is 5.3 times larger than its land area. This encompasses not only the 200 nautical miles extending from the continental coastline but also the 200 nautical miles surrounding the Galápagos Islands. Consequently, the prospects for scientific research and both natural and cultural management in these maritime areas are enormous.
UNESCO Convention and Legal Framework
Since December 1, 2006, Ecuador has been a party to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. This convention emerged as a response to the increased looting and destruction of underwater cultural property that, until recently, had been protected by the inherent inaccessibility of its environment.
In 2008, Ecuador enacted Decreto 1208, a comprehensive regulation governing activities directed at underwater cultural heritage. This decree reflects Ecuador's commitment to preserving submerged archaeological resources and establishes the legal framework for the protection, research, and management of underwater sites.
The Instituto Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural (National Institute of Cultural Heritage), consistent with these principles, has embraced this commitment and for several years has been developing emergency projects for the conservation, preservation, restoration, and promotion of underwater heritage under its custody.
Historical Context
Ecuador's strategic location along the Pacific coast of South America placed it at the crossroads of significant maritime trade routes during the colonial period. The Pacific silver route, which connected Callao (Peru) to Panama, passed along Ecuador's coastline, resulting in numerous shipwrecks and maritime archaeological sites.
The coastal regions of Ecuador have a rich maritime heritage dating back to pre-Columbian times. The Manteño culture, which flourished along the central coast from approximately 850 CE to 1532 CE, developed sophisticated maritime technologies including balsa wood rafts capable of long-distance voyaging.
Notable Shipwrecks
Among the documented shipwrecks in Ecuadorian waters, the Jesús María de la Limpia Concepción (1654) stands as one of the most significant. This Spanish galleon sank off Shanduy, near Punta Carnero, while traveling the Pacific silver route from Callao to Panama. The wreck was located in 1996 and salvaged in 1997, with artifacts divided between the salvage company SubAmérica Discoveries and the Ecuadorian government.
This case illustrates both the richness of Ecuador's underwater cultural heritage and the challenges faced in protecting it from commercial treasure hunting operations. The 2001 UNESCO Convention and Ecuador's subsequent legislation aim to prevent such exploitation of underwater sites in the future.
Current Research and Challenges
Ecuador's underwater cultural heritage faces several challenges, including:
- Looting and commercial exploitation – Despite legal protections, underwater sites remain vulnerable to treasure hunters and illegal salvage operations.
- Climate change – Rising sea levels and changing ocean conditions threaten both submerged and coastal archaeological sites.
- Limited resources – Underwater archaeology requires specialized equipment and training that remain scarce in the region.
- Pollution – Marine pollution poses risks to the preservation of underwater sites and artifacts.
- Resource exploitation – Fishing and marine resource extraction activities can disturb archaeological contexts.
Despite these challenges, Ecuador has made significant strides in developing its underwater archaeology capacity. The Instituto Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural continues to work on inventorying known sites and developing protocols for their protection and study.
The Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, represent a unique context for underwater archaeology. The archipelago's maritime history includes whaling vessels, naval expeditions, and various shipwrecks that contribute to its underwater cultural landscape.
The remote location and protected status of the Galápagos present both opportunities and challenges for underwater archaeological research. The marine reserve surrounding the islands offers excellent preservation conditions, but access for research requires careful coordination with conservation authorities.
Original Abstract (Spanish)
La actual República del Ecuador presenta un territorio marítimo que es 5,3 veces más extenso que el terrestre. Se trata no solo de las 200 millas marinas a partir del perfil costanero continental, sino también de las 200 millas marinas alrededor de las Islas Galápagos. Por ende, las perspectivas de investigación científica y de gestión natural como cultural en estas áreas marítimas son gigantescas. Desde el 1 de diciembre de 2006, el Ecuador forma parte de la Convención de la UNESCO sobre la protección del Patrimonio Cultural Subacuático, que surge como reacción al incremento del saqueo y la destrucción de los bienes subacuáticos que hasta hace poco se encontraban protegidos por la inaccesibilidad propia de su entorno. El Instituto Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural, consecuente con este principio, acoge dicho compromiso y desde hace varios años plantea proyectos emergentes para la conservación, preservación, restauración y promoción del patrimonio subacuático que están bajo su custodia.
Future Directions
The future of nautical archaeology in Ecuador holds significant promise. With continued institutional support, international collaboration, and adherence to UNESCO standards, Ecuador is positioned to develop a comprehensive understanding of its underwater cultural heritage while ensuring its protection for future generations.
Key priorities include:
- Comprehensive inventory of underwater archaeological sites
- Training programs for Ecuadorian underwater archaeologists
- International partnerships for research and capacity building
- Public education and outreach about maritime heritage
- Development of sustainable heritage tourism initiatives
References
- Jijón Porras, J. A. (2019). Arqueología subacuática en el Ecuador: estado de la cuestión. Revista De Historia, Patrimonio, Arqueología Y Antropología Americana, (1), 5-21.
- UNESCO (2001). Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. Paris: UNESCO.
- Ecuador, Decreto 1208 (2008). Reglamento de actividades dirigidas al patrimonio cultural subacuático.
- Instituto Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural del Ecuador. https://www.patrimoniocultural.gob.ec