Today at a conference held at Quinta Magnólia, researcher Daniel Sousa explained that the archaeological finds in Largo do Pelourinho, Funchal, had made it possible to better understand some aspects of the historical ‘transatlantic trade,’ and during his lecture he presented the preliminary results of the work carried out in the area known as the Núcleo History of Santa Maria do Calhau.
The excavations carried out in the area of the river mouths of Santa Luzia and João Gomes, uncovered 16th century structures of the Forte de São Filipe, which were submerged under an old car park and the Largo do Pelourinho restaurant.
Daniel Sousa went on to explain that the surveys carried out after the February 2010 floods located ‘structures of relevant importance in the context of Portuguese military archaeology.’ In addition to the architectural structures of the fortress, he said, many other objects were exhumed, namely “numismatic elements, ceramics, earthenware, pipes, sugar shapes, ornaments, carpological elements, elements of mammary and malacological fauna, and firearms all indicating man’s occupation of the space over a period of time.
The lecture, part of World Museum Day, promoted at Quinta Magnólia – Cultural Centre, was attended by the vice-president of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, Rubina Leal, and several civil and military entities.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
