Over a century ago, in the Uxin Banner region of North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, an unparalleled archaeological discovery was made: the late Homo sapiens fossil, fondly referred to as “Hetao man.” The world was introduced to a significant aspect of human history in China, previously underestimated by the Western academic circles. This week, in a fitting tribute to its discovery in 1922, the region is abuzz with activity as it hosts an international forum to honor the Hetao man’s legacy.
With over 170 experts hailing from countries like the UK, the US, France, and Japan, this event is testament to the worldwide recognition of the Hetao culture’s importance. Among the attendees are distinguished Chinese scholars from renowned institutions, including the Institute of Archaeology and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
The forum owes its inception to Emile Licent, a French priest and archaeologist, who first uncovered the Hetao man’s tooth fossil at the Salawusu cultural relic site. Alongside this monumental find were 200 Paleolithic artifacts, which, at that juncture, became the earliest of such remains discovered in China. The implications of these discoveries were profound; they debunked speculations that China, or even the broader continent of Asia, lacked a Paleolithic cultural heritage.
Over the next three days, attendees will immerse themselves in discussions surrounding the Salawusu culture’s origins and delve into modern interdisciplinary approaches to researching the Hetao culture. Furthermore, there will be sessions dedicated to understanding the technology, cultural practices, and survival strategies of Paleolithic humans across Eurasia. Paleolithic expert, Lin Yuehua, opined that these subjects underscore the contemporary research directions concerning the historical site. Lin emphasized the continuity and relevance of such longstanding archaeological sites to present-day values. He remarked on how future archaeologists will continue to unearth modern resonances from the Hetao culture, paving the way for applications in “public cultural education” and epitomizing China’s innovative approach to its rich cultural heritage.
In a move that further elevates the site’s prominence, 2022 saw the fusion of the Salawusu archaeological site park with the Salawusu wetland park. This consolidation has culminated in a sprawling park encompassing a cultural center devoted entirely to the Hetao culture. According to Zhang Xun, an expert in cultural legacy management, this merging serves a dual purpose: it magnifies the site’s importance by simultaneously showcasing its cultural and biodiversity treasures.
Initiatives are already underway to enhance the park’s stature. Ambitions range from elevating it to a national 5A scenic spot to fast-tracking its candidacy as a world natural and cultural heritage site. It has also been nominated for China’s second group of national archaeological parks.
To sum up the significance of the Hetao site, it’s essential to recognize its representation of a symbiotic relationship between ancient Central Plains’ farming practices and nomadic lifestyles. As aptly summarized by archaeologist Xue Feng, the Hetao site embodies China’s rich history, defined by its inclusivity and vastness.
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