Reuniting Cargoes on the Centre Stage

The idea for the exhibition emerged from discussions between Douglas, Michael and Associate Professor Polkinghorne, aiming to make this important archaeological project accessible to the public.

“While the investigations will take several years to complete, I was eager to highlight the ceramics now and offer a glimpse into their fascinating stories,” says Douglas.

“I really wanted the public to see and experience the incredible history behind these items, not just have them locked away in storage.”

The exhibition, facilitated by Adelaide Festival Centre’s Exhibitions and Collections team, featured ceramics made in China, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar, which were traded with Indonesia over many centuries in exchange for spices, aromatic woods and resins, and rare forest products.

Associate Professor Polkinghorne says, “Indonesia was not only a key destination for these ceramics but also served as a crucial trading hub, facilitating their distribution across Southeast Asia and beyond.”

The collection on display included ceramics recovered from shipwrecks on the Indonesian coast, some still encrusted with shells and marine growth.

“Flinders researchers have been able to identify which kilns were used to fire the ceramics and are making significant progress on which trading ships they were transported.

“The research is building a detailed narrative of the Maritime Silk and Spice Trade Route, the greatest trade route in the world at that time.”

Reuniting Cargoes exhibition was presented via storyboards to explain the historical links between pieces, and LED screens displaying bespoke digital visualisations of ancient boats that would have carried these ceramics.

Flinders University has a longstanding partnership with Indonesia that dates back to the 1970s with the establishment of Indonesian studies and language programs, and the creation of the Pendopo at the Bedford Park campus in 1990. 

Douglas’ connection with Asia extends back to his early role as a producer for BBC television and radio in the late 1970s, when he was sent to Hong Kong to research Chinese performance culture.

It was then that his passion for Asian performing arts was ignited – a passion he has maintained throughout his arts career, exemplified by his founding of OzAsia Festival in 2007, now a major cultural event.

“Given Adelaide Festival Centre’s strong track record in fostering Asian cultural engagement, exhibitions like this are an essential part of reinforcing our connections with Asia,” says Douglas.

“It also showcases Flinders University’s strong standing and significance in the field of archaeology.”

As the research continues to uncover new insights, Douglas is already planning for future exhibitions.

“This exhibition has provided a great starting point for telling the story of these ceramics, but I hope this is just the first in a series that will highlight different aspects of the collection to the public,” says Douglas.

“Sharing the history of these works will continue to deepen our understanding of the intricate web of trade and cultural exchange that shaped the region for centuries.”

^{Published March 2025. Author: David Sly}