29/05/2026
A Spanish galleon named Santo Cristo de Burgos, vanished off the west coast of what would become the USA (in Oregon State) after avoiding a hurricane in 1693. How do we prove it came from the Philippines? ๐โ๏ธ
The origin of the famous "Beeswax Shipwreck"โnamed after the massive blocks of beeswax found in its cargoโonce remained a mystery.
But through the meticulous analysis of DOST-FPRDI expert and by cross-referencing samples within our Xylarium collection, the ship's primary timbers were re-examined. The scientific verdict? The vessel was crafted from Molave (๐๐ช๐ต๐ฆ๐น ๐ฑ๐ข๐ณ๐ท๐ช๐ง๐ญ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ข A. Juss.) and Supa (๐๐ช๐ฏ๐ฅ๐ฐ๐ณ๐ข ๐ด๐ถ๐ฑ๐ข Merr.)โtwo native Philippine hardwoods. ๐ชต๐ฌ
๐ช๐ต๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ด๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ผ๐ป?
๐ ๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ฒ: Its incredible density made it a great choice for the load-bearing frames of Manila-Acapulco galleons (as well as our ancient houses and churches).
๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฎ: Used for ship flooring or decking and known for its extreme impact resistance (the same properties that make it perfect for bowling alleys), it provided the flexibility and strength needed to survive grueling trans-Pacific voyages. ๐ต๐ญโต๏ธ
These identifications enhance our understanding of timber selection in galleon construction and provide valuable material evidence for maritime heritage research. ๐โ๐ชต
