Developing a zooarchaeological approach to studying the impacts of the Manila Galleon Trade on the landscapes and cultures of the Philippines
Dublin Core
Title
Developing a zooarchaeological approach to studying the impacts of the Manila Galleon Trade on the landscapes and cultures of the Philippines
Description
After the discovery of the tornaviaje, or return trip to New Spain (Mexico), numerous galleons sailed from the
Philippines to Mexico and back again for nearly two and a half centuries (1565–1815 CE). The Manila Galleon
Trade played a major role in solidifying a maritime trade network between East and Southeast Asia and the
Americas during the Spanish colonial period, stimulating the introduction of plants and animals that had major
ramifications for the environments, economies, and societies of the Philippines. However, formal archaeological
analyses of animal remains from the Spanish colonial period remain limited. Most studies related to the Manila
Galleon Trade focus on shipbuilding, tradeware ceramics, and plants. Historical accounts have provided clues as
to what animals may have been introduced to the Philippines during the Manila Galleon Trade and how they were
integrated into the local economy and society. Demonstrating these introductions archaeologically is nevertheless
an ongoing effort. By undertaking zooarchaeological research (study of faunal materials), we seek to improve the
level of detail about the animals that arrived on Philippine shores during this time period. We recommend that
extending the study of the Manila Galleon Trade to explore its impact on the landscape and culture of the
Philippines will yield novel insights to animal translocations, animal husbandry practices, land-use, and changes
in dietary preferences during the Spanish colonial period.
Philippines to Mexico and back again for nearly two and a half centuries (1565–1815 CE). The Manila Galleon
Trade played a major role in solidifying a maritime trade network between East and Southeast Asia and the
Americas during the Spanish colonial period, stimulating the introduction of plants and animals that had major
ramifications for the environments, economies, and societies of the Philippines. However, formal archaeological
analyses of animal remains from the Spanish colonial period remain limited. Most studies related to the Manila
Galleon Trade focus on shipbuilding, tradeware ceramics, and plants. Historical accounts have provided clues as
to what animals may have been introduced to the Philippines during the Manila Galleon Trade and how they were
integrated into the local economy and society. Demonstrating these introductions archaeologically is nevertheless
an ongoing effort. By undertaking zooarchaeological research (study of faunal materials), we seek to improve the
level of detail about the animals that arrived on Philippine shores during this time period. We recommend that
extending the study of the Manila Galleon Trade to explore its impact on the landscape and culture of the
Philippines will yield novel insights to animal translocations, animal husbandry practices, land-use, and changes
in dietary preferences during the Spanish colonial period.
Creator
Joan Quincy Lingao
Eduardo Corona-M
Grace Barretto-Tesoro
Patrick Roberts
Maricar Belarmino
Mary Jane Louise Bolunia
Bobby Orillaneda
Leee Anthony Neri
Victor Paz
Noel Amano
Juan Rofes
Publisher
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Date
2023
Language
English
Bibliographic Citation
Lingao, Joan Quincy, Eduardo Corona-M, Grace Barretto-Tesoro, Patrick Roberts, Maricar Belarmino, Mary Jane Louise Bolunia, Bobby Orillaneda, Leee Anthony Neri, Victor Paz, Noel Amano, and Juan Rofes. 2023. “Developing a zooarchaeological approach to studying the impacts of the Manila Galleon Trade on the landscapes and cultures of the Philippines.” Edited by Jennifer Craig, Jay Mok, T. Kurt Knoerl, and Roberto Junco. In Proceedings of Fifth Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage: Gwangju, The Republic of Korea, November 13-18 2023. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology. URL: https://apconf.omeka.net/exhibits/show/apconfproceedings/item/1958
Files
Citation
Joan Quincy Lingao et al., “Developing a zooarchaeological approach to studying the impacts of the Manila Galleon Trade on the landscapes and cultures of the Philippines,” APCONF-MUCH Proceedings Recently Added Items, accessed October 24, 2026, https://apconf-much.org/proceedings/items/show/587.