A find of pottery sherds on a beach near Sepang, Selangor
H.D. Noone reports on a find of pottery sherds recovered from a sea beach near Sepang, South Selangor, by F.C. Fogh of Teluk Merbau Plantations Ltd. in August 1940.
Summary
Noone visited the site in September 1940 and, together with Fogh, assessed the circumstances of the find. The sherds lay exposed on the sand or just beneath the surface, with no signs of sea encroachment on the land. Noone argues against the possibility that the sherds represent a settlement and instead suggests they form part of the cargo of a wrecked vessel washed in from the bay (p. 217). Fifteen pieces had been recovered in total, but only six significant sherds are described and figured, with technical descriptions supplied by Mr. Burgess of Ipoh (pp. 217–218). The sherds range from light buff earthenware with an impressed elephant motif to grey earthenware with flame patterns, incised sprigs, and traces of brown glaze, some bearing signs of lettering. Noone concludes that the finds indicate associations with an ancient coastal trade from the north of the Indo-Chinese peninsula, and recommends further investigation including dredging of the shallows (p. 218).