In the Doca channel, where preparations for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference are taking place, remains of a metal ship were found. This discovery, considered unique by the Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), opens a window to the past of navigation in the Amazon.
What is known about the ship found?
The ship, 22 meters long, 7 meters wide and 2.25 meters deep, was unearthed in the middle of excavations. Archaeologists have identified the bow and the central part of the hull, which will be restored and displayed at the Amazonian Navigation Memorial.
It is believed that the ship, buried for more than a century, was used for trade and transportation of goods and people in the old Igarapé das Almas, a key canal for Belém’s economy before it was paved.
The history of navigation in Belém
Belém’s location, on the shores of Guajará Bay and near the Atlantic, made it a strategic point for trade and navigation in the 19th century. According to archaeologist Kelton Mendes, this discovery could help us better understand the commercial and social dynamics of the time.
Restoration and exhibition
The restoration process, which will last about five months, seeks to preserve the remains of the ship for exhibition to the public. This project not only celebrates the rich history of shipping in the region, but also highlights the importance of protecting cultural heritage amid major infrastructure works.
This archaeological find not only illuminates Belém’s past, but also adds an unexpected element to the preparations for COP 30, highlighting how development and history can be intertwined in the heart of the Amazon.
