Mapanas: A centuries-old ceramic artifact, believed to be from the late Ming Dynasty to early Qing Dynasty period, has been discovered in Mapanas, Northern Samar. Experts from the University of the Philippines Diliman School of Archaeology (UPD-SA) announced the find during a courtesy meeting with the local government of Mapanas. The archaeological team conducted field studies from May 22 to 26.
According to Philippines News Agency, the team was led by Dr. Emil Charles Robles, a specialist in GIS mapping and modeling. The ceramic plate fragment was identified as having a Swatow or Zhangzhou ware motif, indicating its origin from trade ceramics circulated across Southeast Asia during the late 16th to early 17th centuries.
Jay Keenson Acebuche, provincial planning and development officer, noted that the ceramic piece may have reached Northern Samar through maritime trade routes. These routes connected coastal communities to Chinese merchants and regional trading centers from the 16th to 19th centuries. Historical accounts suggest that traders frequently visited the coastal settlements of Laoang and Palapag, bringing goods such as porcelain and ceramics as part of early commercial exchanges.
The ceramic fragment was found on private property during excavation work for a house foundation near a riverbank. Recognizing its historical significance, the discovery was reported to UPD-SA specialists for examination and documentation.
Researchers believe the artifact provides evidence that Mapanas town was once part of an active trading network engaged in regional and international commerce during the pre-colonial and early colonial periods. Despite being recovered in broken condition, experts assert that the find is an important historical discovery, offering valuable insight into the cultural and economic history of Mapanas and neighboring communities.
Local officials and researchers hope the discovery will lead to further archaeological investigations and increase public awareness of the region's historical significance.
