Java sunken treasure to be sold (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Lucy Williamson
BBC News, Jakarta

Scientists in Indonesia are preparing to auction tens of thousands of artefacts salvaged from a sunken ship off the coast of Java.

The items, which are believed to be more than 1,000 years old, include ceramics, tombstones and swords.
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About 150,000 pieces are still intact and some of them are expected to go to Indonesia's museums.

Salvaged after 1,000 years at the bottom of the sea, the haul includes bowls from China, Thailand and Vietnam; perfume bottles from Persia; and swords and tablets engraved with Koranic inscriptions.
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But the committee is hoping that a museum will buy the collection as a whole. According to committee secretary Siawaori Nissia, that would increase its value about 10-fold due to is its historical value as a picture of Indonesia 1,000 years ago.


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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6162804.stm

[ceile]

1. Amazing.

Oh, to be a treasure hunter, archaeologist, or pirate!