Strange Discoveries: Mysterious Artefacts in Singapore

with John Miksic

Who is buried in Sultan Iskandar’s tomb? What did John Crawfurd see on the Forbidden Hill? What was this bowl with Chinese characters written on it for? Who made these beautiful pieces of glass?

Singapore has not yet acquired a reputation as an important center of archaeological study, but since the founding of the Southeast Asian Ceramic Society this little island has made some important strides in that direction. Archaeological research has now gathered a large assemblage of artifacts with good provenance, mainly of the 14th century, from excavations in the Fort Canning area. The National University of Singapore has also acquired artifacts from other sites in the region. Some of these discoveries are still puzzling archaeologists, more than 20 years after they were first brought to light. Is this due to lack of research, or was Singapore really an unusual place in 1350?

7.30 pm, Wednesday, 7 May 2008

Ixora Room, The Peranakan Museum

39 Armenian Street, Singapore