An 18th Century Shipwreck Treasure
An 18th century shipwreck treasure discovery in the coast of Yucatán, Mexico.
In the crystalline and shallow waters around the Yucatan peninsula in 2014, a treasure consisting of more than 300 pieces of gold from the 18th century were found by accident by a National Institute of Anthropology and History researcher. The merchant ship, who was traveling from Mexico to Spain, sank in a reef area near the coast.
Intricate gold figures, rings, necklaces, buckles, chains, rosaries, reliquaries and religious symbols encrusted with emeralds probably from Colombia , diamonds, and other materials were some of the pieces found. Most of the pieces are though to be created in Oaxaca, then taken to a ship that would sail from the port of Veracruz, a city close to the peninsula, to be taken to Cuba, the port of destination before embarking on the long journey to Spain.
Find below some examples from this unprecedented discovery. Like this small dragon figure with 14 emeralds and two diamonds.
