A Research Design to Conduct Archaeological Investigations at the Site of the “Beeswax Wreck” of Nehalem Bay, Tillamook County, Oregon

Description

The identification of the “Beeswax Wreck” on the beach of the Nehalem River spit has long been a subject of conjecture and controversy. Noted since the early years of the 19th century and identified over time by various persons as either a Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, or Spanish vessel, the only agreement to date is that the vessel was a ship probably wrecked in the 17th century. An eastbound Spanish galleon heading from Manila to Acapulco is often cited as the most likely vessel, as the galleons of Spain regularly traveled between Mexico and the Philippines for two hundred and fifty years, carrying cargos of silks, other cloths, beeswax, porcelain, and spices. While this long span of regular voyaging makes a Spanish origin of the wreck seem most likely, at times Portuguese traders plied between Japan and China and Dutch and English raiders roamed the Pacific taking whatever valuables they could from the ships of other nations. The nationality, year she wrecked at Nehalem, and whether or not any remains of the ship still lie buried in the sands of Nehalem Spit or offshore remains unknown. If remains of the ship’s structure, cargo, and artifacts identifying the ethnicity of the crew can be found, these questions may be answered. In addition, broader anthropological and historical interests could be addressed such as the impact of the cargo and any survivors on the culture and economy of the Northwest Coast prior to regular Euroamerican contact. For example, the availability of tons of beeswax provided the Tillamook with a new trade good, which was almost certainly integrated into the Native coastal trade system before contact with Euroamericans.