Content
There are two sets of archaeological data and related information housed in the Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica. Archaeological data collected before 1949 was recovered from Mainland China. Archaeological data collected after 1949 are composed of materials from Taiwan.
1. Chinese Archaeology
The artifacts, fieldnotes, maps, photos, and records in this collection were obtained from excavation and survey in archaeological sites in Mainland China including the Lung-shan culture area in Shantung Province, other Neolithic sites around China, late Shang civilization of Anyang, Western Chou Site of Hsin-ts'un cemetery in Chün-hsien, Honan, Eastern Chou cemeteries of Shan-piao-chen and Liu-li-ko, as well as acquisition from purchase and donation of Chinese archaeological objects.
2. Taiwan Archaeology
Artifacts, fieldnotes, maps, photos and records obtained from Taiwan archaeological sites including Shih-san-hang site in Taipei County, sites at the middle part of Taiwan which were explored by an interdisciplinary project in Cho-Shui and Ta-tu River Valleys (the other continued study of the sites in this area are also included), as well as important sites in southern and eastern part of Taiwan.
Excavations in mainland sites listed were conducted by the first generation of Chinese archaeologists in the early part of the 20th century. Certain finds such as Shang Royal Cemetery are unique and were never found again during later archaeological endeavors. Excavations after 1949 provide indispensable information about many aspects of prehistorical life as well as early history and culture in Taiwan. The artifacts collected are mostly of archaeological context – a characteristic which distinguish them from ordinary museum art pieces. In addition to the historical, scientific and artistic value of the artifacts themselves, contextual information provides more information about the culture and characteristics on this island of ancient society. |