Archaeological findings of D.I. Yogyakarta Archaeological Centre

"uncover Semarang history by excavation"

Pie diagram of archaeological findings percentage in Sleko. Source: D.I. Yogyakarta Archaeological Centre

Archaeological research in the Old Town of Semarang by D.I. Yogyakarta Archaeological Centre has been conducted since 2009-2016, by opening 34 excavation boxes in the Sleko area. Based on excavation results held in 34 excavation boxes, there is found a structure that indicates a part of Semarang City Fortress. In addition, several artefacts and ecofacts were found in context with the structure. In total, there are 9.191 fragments which consist of glass fragments, pottery, ceramic (porcelain), metals, building parts, animal bones, teeth, and horns as well as coal fragments.

1. Ceramic fragments: 3.494 fragments (38.02%)

Ceramic fragments originated from Europe (particularly Dutch) and China. Chinese ceramic fragments found in the excavation mostly come from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Based on the profiles, it shows various shapes, such as diverse sizes of plates, bowls, cups, spoons, bottles, pipes, and figurines. Some of the Dutch ceramic has a Maastricht inscription on its base. In addition, there also found a ceramic insulator used for electrical distribution in the past.

2. Glass fragments: 2.260 fragments (23.50%)

3. Pottery fragments: 1.677 fragments (18.25%)

4. Animal bones, teeth, and horns: 1.396 fragments (15.18%)

5. Building parts fragments: 2.160 fragments (23.50%)

Building parts fragments consist of terracotta tile fragments, marble tile fragments, and roof tile fragments. Tile fragments found in the excavation show terracotta, marble, and terrazzo materials, also the shape and size of its origin are unknown since they are found in small fragments.

6. Metal fragments: 307 fragments (3.35%)

Metal fragments consist of:

- VOC coin in very worn condition

- Rusty Chinese coin with a square hole in the centre

- Nails in various sizes such as pegs, hinges, and trellis fragments