Grappling Anchor
Physical Object
1983.002.0002
Santa Margarita (1622)
circa 1620
A wrought-iron grapnel anchor from the Santa Margarita site is of typical form, having a plain tapering shank surmounted by a ring finial and terminating in five flukes and palms.
Seventeenth century Spanish shipwreck salvagers commonly utilized grapnel anchors. These multi-fluked, iron devices were towed through the water and across the sea-bottom, in the hope that they would snag on sunken wreckage. Divers could then swim down using lines attached to the anchors to recover cargo.
Seventeenth century Spanish shipwreck salvagers commonly utilized grapnel anchors. These multi-fluked, iron devices were towed through the water and across the sea-bottom, in the hope that they would snag on sunken wreckage. Divers could then swim down using lines attached to the anchors to recover cargo.
77 cm W x 178 cm L , Item (Overall)