MORPHOLOGICAL CORRESPONDENCE OF 10TH–13TH CENTURY CHINESE CERAMICS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE TANJUNG SIMPANG MENGAYAU WRECK (SABAH) AND THE SUNGAI LIMAU MANIS SITE (BRUNEI)

Abstract

This research provides a detailed morphological comparison of ceramic assemblages recovered from two significant maritime archaeological contexts in Northern Borneo: the Tanjung Simpang Mengayau (TSM) wreck off Kudat, Sabah, and the terrestrial riverine site of Sungai Limau Manis (SLM) in Brunei Darussalam. Both sites are dated to the Song Dynasty (10th–13th centuries CE) and serve as critical indicators of the "Age of Commerce" in Southeast Asia. Based on analysing primary data retrieved from the TSM cargo (n = 2,590 ceramic pieces) and secondary data of the SLM site context, this paper notes remarkable similarities in vessel types including high-footed conical and deep bowls. The study concludes that while TSM represents a primary maritime cargo of predominantly Northern Song origin, SLM reflects a secondary distribution hub with a mix of Song and Yuan Dynasty materials, highlighting the integrated nature of Borneo’s early maritime trade networks.