I think I understand what you were refering to when you called it odd, IP. I had to read that sentence several times before I understood the listing order. I wish I had the words to explain it to others. It is an awkward sentence. Perhaps if the order had been inverted

After eight years of excavations, archaeologists have uncovered remains like teak and metal from ships, sapphires, beads, wine and peppercorns.

After eight years of excavations, archaeologists have uncovered remains such as peppercorns, wine, beads, sapphires(,?) and teak and metal from ships.