Instruments of Worship from Cirebon Shipwreck
Get to know seven religious related objects from the 10th Century Cirebon Shipwreck
Digging the Past of Cirebon Shipwreck (2004) by Panitia Nasional BMKT/ PT.PPSMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
The Cirebon Shipwreck at a Glance
Cirebon wreck was found at the depth of 60 meters, 120 km off Cirebon coast. The ship, that set sail over a thousand years ago, carried over 400,000 artifacts including Chinese ceramics, fine paste wares, ingots, glass beads, glass bottles, gemstones and bars of opiates.
Visualizing the 10th Century Cirebon Underwater Site in Java Sea (2004/2005) by Panitia Nasional BMKT / PT.PPSMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
Based on how the remnants were found not far from the main boat remains, it is likely the boat was overloaded and struck by tropical storm. It is believed to sail from a harbour at Sriwijaya Kingdom (modern day Sumatra) to Medang, Mataram (modern day Java).
The 10th Century Ceramics from Cirebon Shipwreck (2004) by Panitia Nasional BMKT/ PT.PPSMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
The boat carried items from likely different regions of Asia including Persia (modern day Iran), India, Myanmar and China.
Gantha (Buddhist bell) (907/960) by UnknownMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
Wajragantha
It is Vajrayana Buddhism symbol, popularly known as vajragantha. Vajra symbolizes a male principle, fitness of action, held in the right hand. Ganta is a bell, a symbol of female principle, intelligence. Interaction of the two is ultimately leading to enlightenment.
This bronze ghanta or bell with vajra sceptre handle is a typical ritual implement used by Buddhist priests of the Vajrayana sect, which became increasingly popular in Indonesia in the tenth century. Such items have been found on other ships in the western Java Sea.
This finding indicates that Srivijaya were producing large quantities of various metal objects for clergy in Java. Sumatra, unlike Java, is rich with copper and tin ores necessary for bronze casting production.
Vajra (907/960) by UnknownMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
Wiswawajra
Also made of bronze this artifact would also be carried by a bhikku in a Buddhist ceremony. Vajra is considered symbol of thunderbolt or diamond that would shine through human ignorance. The vajra usually paired with the gantha.
The vajra sceptre and gantha bell were the two main elements in the set of ritual implements used by monks in the Vajrayana or "Diamond Vehicle" school of Buddhism. They are still used by Buddhist officiants in Bali.
Tara Goddes Statue (907/960) by UnknownMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
Tara, Goddess of The Great Ocean
The rare bronze statue identified as Tara, was found amongst the cargo. Tara goddess is the most powerful female deity in Buddhist pantheon. Her name means “star” in Sanskrit and she is believed to possess the ability to guide followers, like a star, on their spiritual path.
The female Bodhisattva of love, armed with a (now lost) bow and arrow. The statue stands on a separate pedestal shaped like a double lotus.
Its slender shape and mountain-shaped crown allow us to attribute it to similar late 10th or early 11th century bronzes found at several archaeological sites in Java.
Khakkara (907/960) by UnknownMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
Khakkara
The khakkara is an important feature that a bhikku would put on top of their lance that they carry in their travels. The rings you see on the khakkara would make a distinct rattling sound to announce his/ or her presence or to ward off animals.
Mirror (907/960) by UnknownMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
Mirror
In Buddhism mirror or Darpana is a symbolic representation of eternal light and the ability to see one’s self. The five circles inside the disc represented the wisdom of the five Buddhas.
The surface of this bronze mirror depicting a Phoenix/ Parrot. This image reminds us of Jataka tales, story of the past lives of the Buddha. The Buddha was once a little gray parrot and rescued people in the forest from fire.
Mold from stone slab with asmaul husna (0907/0960) by UnknownMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
Stone carving mold
The presence of Islam at Sriwijaya Kingdom in the 10th Century can be confirmed with this archaeological findings made of stone with carvings of names of Allah: “al-maliku lillahi; al-wahidu; al-qahhar”. The artifact is now part of Indonesia's national collection.
Carved shell (907/960) by UnknownMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
Conch shell or shankh
Conch shell or shankh has been important as a religious object since ancient times. Hindus have used left-turning conch shells as articles of prayer and holders of holy water.
Shell ornament with motif illustration study (2021/2021) by Marine Heritage GalleryMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
A right-turning white conch, however, is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists as one of the eight auspicious symbols. It represents the sound of the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha.
Carved shell (907/960) by UnknownMarine Heritage Gallery Jakarta
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Written by Sonny Wibisono, (BRIN) National Research and Innovation Agency)
