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The term Pecca de Malacca (correctly spelled as Peça de Malaca in Portuguese, meaning "The Piece of Malacca") refers to a historic 16th-century cannon that is one of the most significant artifacts from the Malacca Sultanate.
Today, it is housed in the Lisbon Military Museum (Museu Militar de Lisboa) in Portugal. It is widely considered one of the largest and most impressive artillery pieces ever used in the defense of Malacca before its fall to the Portuguese in 1511.
Key Features of the Cannon
Type: It is a 38-pounder muzzleloading bombard.
Construction: Unlike modern cast cannons, it was built using wrought iron staves (long strips of iron) reinforced by thick iron rings, similar to the construction of a wooden barrel.
Dimensions: It measures roughly 3.36 meters (11 feet) in length and has a caliber of 17.5 cm.
Projectile: It was capable of firing stone or iron balls weighing approximately 17.5 kg (38 lbs).
Artistry: The tip of the gun features a delicately carved Merong or Dragon head, which is a hallmark of the high level of craftsmanship and metalwork present in the region during that era.
Historical Context
When Afonso de Albuquerque invaded Malacca in 1511, Portuguese records claim they found between 2,000 to 3,000 pieces of artillery. Most were small-caliber guns (rantakas or lela), but the Peça de Malaca stood out for its size and power.
Some historians believe this specific cannon may have been the "large cannon" presented to the Sultan of Malacca by the Zamorin (Samuri) of Calicut, India, as a diplomatic gift shortly before the invasion. This explains the similarities in design to other Indian cannons of the 14th and 15th centuries.
Significance
The Peça de Malaca serves as physical evidence of the sophisticated military technology possessed by the Malacca Sultanate. It challenges the colonial-era narrative that the Malays were poorly armed; instead, it shows they were equipped with heavy artillery that required a crew of up to 14 people to operate and could fire at a range of nearly 3.7 kilometers.
The capture of Malacca in 1511 resulted in one of the most significant seizures of wealth and technology in Portuguese colonial history. While many of the most precious items were lost at sea, several significant artifacts remain documented or on display.
Artifacts and Plunder from 1511
The Portuguese seizure of Malacca was notable for the sheer volume of military technology and royal treasure acquired. According to historical records from figures like Afonso de Albuquerque, the spoils were of a quality that rivaled anything found in Europe at the time.
The Lost Treasure of the Flor do Mar: The most significant portion of the plunder—including the Sultan's royal treasure, gold-plated palanquins, precious stones, and Melakan embroidery—was loaded onto the flagship Flor do Mar. This ship sank in a storm off the coast of Sumatra in 1512, and the treasure remains lost on the seabed.
Artillery and Firearms: The Portuguese captured between 3,000 and 8,000 pieces of artillery. Historical accounts highlight one particularly large brass cannon sent by the King of Calicut to the Sultan of Malacca, which was considered a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
The Hollowed Iron Lions: Albuquerque specifically lamented the loss of two hollowed iron lions, gifts from the Emperor of China to the Sultan of Malacca, which also went down with the Flor do Mar.
Surviving Weapons: Various traditional weapons such as keris (wavy-bladed daggers), spears, and matchlocks were taken as trophies. Some of these historical arms and armor from the Portuguese expansion are preserved today in European military collections.
Visiting the Museum in Lisbon
Vasco da Gama Room: This room is a highlight for visitors, featuring walls and ceilings covered in maps and paintings that illustrate the opening of trade routes between Portugal and Asia.
The Courtyard: The museum's courtyard is famous for its large collection of bronze cannons and elaborate tile panels (azulejos) that depict famous Portuguese battles, including scenes from the expansion into the East.
Location and Access: It is conveniently located in the Alfama neighborhood, directly facing the Santa Apolónia Station (the final stop on the Blue Metro line).
Visiting Hours: The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with a brief midday closure on weekends), and it is closed on Mondays.
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9/1/2026: 8.14 a.m