Preservation and Display Area of the Archaeological Remains of the Pit on Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro

Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Macau lies a time capsule. It’s called the Preservation and Display Area of the Archaeological Remains of the Pit on Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro. This unassuming site offers a glimpse into Macau’s vibrant past as a key port on the Maritime Silk Road. The Preservation and Display Area of the Archaeological Remains of the Pit on Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro centers around a large, circular pit. It was discovered between 2010 and 2012 during an excavation project near the ruins of St. Paul’s College. This pit, measuring almost 6 meters in diameter and nearly 10 meters deep, was carved into the bedrock. The pit walls bear chisel marks. These marks are a testament to the manual labor involved in its creation. The Preservation and Display Area of the Archaeological Remains of the Pit on Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro yielded a treasure trove of artifacts. These artifacts, mostly from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties (late 16th to early 18th centuries), paint a picture of daily life in Macau. They include pottery, porcelain, bronze objects, and construction materials like bricks and tiles. Among the most significant finds are pieces of Kraak porcelain. Kraak porcelain is a type of blue-and-white porcelain exported from China to Europe and other parts of the world. Analysis revealed that much of the Kraak porcelain from the pit was produced in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. This discovery confirms Macau’s role as a crucial transhipment point in the global trade network. The sheer quantity and variety of artifacts within the Preservation and Display Area of the Archaeological Remains of the Pit on Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro suggest it may have been more than just a simple pit. Researchers speculate it could be the well mentioned in historical records of St. Paul’s College. This deep, carefully constructed pit served as a repository of discarded items. It now serves as a window into Macau’s rich history. It provides tangible evidence of the city’s importance in the global trade of centuries past.