Collection of Chinese Ceramics Available at Situs Kotta Cinna Museum

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Collection of Chinese Ceramics Available at Situs Kotta Cinna Museum, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the 11th-century maritime history of North Sumatra. Situated on Jalan Kota Cina in Medan Marelan, this site preserves rare artifacts excavated directly from the historic trading post rather than retrieved from shipwreck treasures.

Archaeological findings at the museum highlight an impressive array of Chinese ceramics dating from the Song to the Yuan dynasties. In addition to Chinese pottery, the site features international trade goods originating from Gujarat in India, Thailand, and Europe.

During the 11th to 14th centuries, Kota Cina flourished as a major international port city connected to vital global shipping lanes like the Malacca Strait. Excavations have uncovered diverse items including trade coins, gold jewelry, religious statues from South India, and tools for metal smelting.

Research by Edward McKinnon indicates that the gold discovered at the site includes low-copper alluvial gold alongside pure gold artifacts bearing Chinese characters. Further historical evidence of global trade is cemented by the discovery of 13th-century Sinhalese coins issued by Sri Lankan rulers such as Queen Lilavati.

The name "Kota Cina" itself derives from the Tamil words "Cinna Kotta," which translate to a small fortified settlement rather than exclusively referring to a Chinese town. This linguistic root points to the significant historical presence of Tamil traders on Sumatra's east coast, as corroborated by Chola-style stone statues.

Local excavations and ongoing academic studies continue to validate the region's rich multicultural heritage and ancient cross-continental connections. By displaying these preserved relics on-site where they were originally unearthed, the museum provides an authentic educational experience for historians and tourists alike.

Ultimately, the Situs Kotta Cinna Museum serves as an invaluable window into Southeast Asia's medieval trade networks and cosmopolitan past. Every preserved ceramic shard and ancient coin invites modern visitors to explore Medan's deep-rooted history as a bustling global harbor.