Steven & Evan Strong: Forgotten Origins, Out-of Place-Artifacts, Australia
Sat Feb 07 2026
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The Discovery of a Chinese Imperial Seal in Northern Australia:
Preliminary Report and Analysis
By Dr Luk Yu-ping (British Museum), Ed Liu (Chinese Scholar) & Geological Analyst (AA+
Industry)
Abstract
In May 2022, a copper-alloy seal bearing early Chinese inscriptions was discovered near
Tortilla Flats, Northern Territory, Australia. Preliminary metallurgical and epigraphic
analyses suggest the object predates any known modern or colonial Chinese presence in the
region. The artefact, associated with Daoist deity worship, may indicate ancient maritime
connections between Asia and northern Australia. This paper summarises the discovery,
expert opinions, initial analyses, and recommendations for future study and preservation.
What Has Been FoundA square-shaped cast metal seal (90mm2, 20g) with eight Chinese characters and two sidemarkings, believed to represent the “Tiger-tamer Marshal Zhao of the Dark Altar” (玄壇伏虎趙公元帥)—a Daoist deity linked to wealth, protection, and navigation. The artefact bearsthe hallmarks of imperial-level craftsmanship, including a nine-fold casting method andcomplex copper-zinc alloy composition consistent with early high-temperature metallurgy.2. Who Found ItThe seal was discovered by John Miltenburg in collaboration with local researchers. Theinitial academic interpretation and contextual analysis were later undertaken by Ed Liu(Chinese scholar) and Ian Hudson and team, with external review and correspondence withDr Luk Yu-ping, Curator of Chinese Paintings and Prints at the British Museum.3. When It Was FoundThe discovery occurred in early May 2022 during surface exploration of the wetlands areasurrounding Tortilla Flats, Northern Territory, approximately 110 km south of Darwin.4. Where It Was Found and in What CircumstancesThe seal was recovered from wetlands heavily embedded in clay, located between twocreek systems near Tortilla Flats. The location’s hydrological conditions likely preserved theartefact by limiting exposure to air and corrosive elements. There is no evidence of modernhabitation, trade, or military activity in the immediate vicinity that would explain the seal’spresence through known historical channels.https://forgottenorigin.com/
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Incogni advertisement Use code “https://nordvpn.com/earthancients at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an anual Incogni plan. Your URL is: https://incogni.com/earthancients The Discovery of a Chinese Imperial Seal in Northern Australia: Preliminary Report and Analysis By Dr Luk Yu-ping (British Museum), Ed Liu (Chinese Scholar) & Geological Analyst (AA+ Industry) Abstract In May 2022, a copper-alloy seal bearing early Chinese inscriptions was discovered near Tortilla Flats, Northern Territory, Australia. Preliminary metallurgical and epigraphic analyses suggest the object predates any known modern or colonial Chinese presence in the region. The artefact, associated with Daoist deity worship, may indicate ancient maritime connections between Asia and northern Australia. This paper summarises the discovery, expert opinions, initial analyses, and recommendations for future study and preservation. What Has Been FoundA square-shaped cast metal seal (90mm2, 20g) with eight Chinese characters and two sidemarkings, believed to represent the “Tiger-tamer Marshal Zhao of the Dark Altar” (玄壇伏虎趙公元帥)—a Daoist deity linked to wealth, protection, and navigation. The artefact bearsthe hallmarks of imperial-level craftsmanship, including a nine-fold casting method andcomplex copper-zinc alloy composition consistent with early high-temperature metallurgy.2. Who Found ItThe seal was discovered by John Miltenburg in collaboration with local researchers. Theinitial academic interpretation and contextual analysis were later undertaken by Ed Liu(Chinese scholar) and Ian Hudson and team, with external review and correspondence withDr Luk Yu-ping, Curator of Chinese Paintings and Prints at the British Museum.3. When It Was FoundThe discovery occurred in early May 2022 during surface exploration of the wetlands areasurrounding Tortilla Flats, Northern Territory, approximately 110 km south of Darwin.4. Where It Was Found and in What CircumstancesThe seal was recovered from wetlands heavily embedded in clay, located between twocreek systems near Tortilla Flats. The location’s hydrological conditions likely preserved theartefact by limiting exposure to air and corrosive elements. There is no evidence of modernhabitation, trade, or military activity in the immediate vicinity that would explain the seal’spresence through known historical channels.https://forgottenorigin.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/earth-ancients--2790919/support.