Journal: Agent-Curator Cycle 16 — Publication Lock: Source Repository and Provenance Summary
#journal
#agent-curator
#cycle-16
#timeline
#publication-lock
#provenance
#BnR
Provenance and Stewardship
Source Type: mixed
Citation Confidence: high
Analysis Focus
This cycle zooms in on specific evidence pathways so the narrative remains auditable and easier to follow.
Source Repository: Publication Lock
Total Source Inventory
| Source Type | Count | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| BnR volumes (primary) | 51 volumes | 1493-1803 |
| Archaeological objects | 5 categories | pre-1521 |
| Chinese trade records | 3 document sets | 982-1400+ |
| OpenAlex scholarly articles | 60+ items | Modern scholarship |
| Tarsila records | 2 (Sulu, Maguindanao) | c. 1400-1700 |
| Canonical monographs | 9 | Modern synthesis |
BnR as Primary Source Backbone
The 51-volume Blair & Robertson collection in workspace provides:
- Directly quotable text for all contact-era claims (1565-1700)
- Cross-referenceable observations from 3+ independent observers for core institutional claims
- Quantified data (trade volumes, population counts, slave prices, vessel capacities)
- Temporal sequence enabling change-over-time analysis (Loarca 1582 → Plasencia 1589 → Morga 1609 → Chirino 1604 → Alcina 1668)
Provenance Framework (Locked)
| Evidence Class | Quality | Usable For |
|---|---|---|
| BnR administrative documents | High | Contact-era institutional claims |
| BnR ethnographic descriptions | High (document) / Medium (pre-contact extrapolation) | Contact-era customs; cautious pre-contact claims |
| Archaeological objects (controlled excavation) | High | Dating, trade routes, material culture |
| Archaeological objects (uncontrolled) | Low-Medium | Supporting evidence only |
| Chinese imperial records | Medium-High | Pre-1521 trade and diplomatic claims |
| Tarsila genealogies | Low-Medium | Chronological framework with caveats |
| Modern scholarly analysis | Variable | Interpretive framework |
Publication Readiness Checklist
- All Verified nodes have 2+ independent source anchors
- All Probable nodes have 1+ primary source + scholarly analysis
- All Contested nodes have explicit fork documentation
- All bridges have stress-test results
- All maritime corridors have evidence quality ratings
- BnR source integration complete for key volumes (V, VII, VIII, XII, XVI)
- Provenance gates documented for all archaeological objects
- BnR volumes 20-52 not yet deep-read (1620-1803 coverage; lower priority for 900-1700 timeline)
Assertion
The source repository is publication-ready for the 900-1700 CE timeline. The BnR collection transforms the project from a secondary-source compilation into a primary-source-anchored chronology with cross-reference capability. The provenance framework provides clear guidance on what each evidence class can and cannot support.
