At the fifth Shanghai Archaeology Forum (SAF), Chinese archaeologist Yan Wenming, a distinguished professor at Peking University, was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, marking a historic first for a Chinese scholar in this field. This award recognizes Professor Yan’s exemplary scholarly contributions that have significantly advanced archaeology and his commitment to educating the public about its relevance in modern society.
Yan, globally recognized for his expertise in Neolithic archaeology, has made significant strides in understanding the origins of agriculture, settlement archaeology, the genesis of Chinese civilization, and the Neolithization process in China. His work in archaeological theory and methods has also been noteworthy. Shen Ruiwen, dean of the School of Archaeology and Museology at Peking University, highlighted Yan’s contributions, noting that his research has played a pivotal role in the international recognition of Chinese archaeology.
Born in 1932 in Hunan Province, Yan graduated from Peking University’s Department of History in 1958 and later joined its faculty. He has served in influential roles, including the head of the Archaeology Department at Peking University and vice chairman of the Chinese Archaeological Society. Yan is renowned for his pioneering research on the Yangshao culture, one of the earliest Neolithic cultures primarily found along the Yellow River. His investigations have established a foundational framework for studying Chinese Neolithic culture.
Yan has been an advocate for interdisciplinary research, integrating archaeology with natural sciences. His notable work, “Research on the Yangshao,” received significant accolades, including the First Prize for Outstanding Achievements in Humanities and Social Sciences.
The SAF also recognized nine Field Discovery Awards, including the significant findings at the Sanxingdui site in Sichuan Province. This 3,000-year-old site, under excavation since 2019, revealed six sacrificial pits containing over 17,000 relics, including gold ware, bronze vessels, and jade artifacts. Ran Honglin, a research fellow at the Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, discussed the groundbreaking nature of these discoveries, highlighting their contribution to understanding the ancient Shu Kingdom.
The forum’s theme, “Archaeology of Climate Change and Social Sustainability,” emphasized the impact of environmental factors on historical human activities. Shen noted the growing importance of environmental archaeological studies, exploring interactions between archaeological cultures, environmental changes, and climate. This interdisciplinary approach offers insights relevant to contemporary societal development.
Ran cited the Sanxingdui Ruins as an example of how environmental changes, like the tropical rainforest climate of the Chengdu Plain in ancient times, provide valuable insights into the influence of climate on human civilization.
The SAF, first held in 2013, has become a critical platform for showcasing global archaeological achievements and fostering discussions on vital themes related to human history and its interaction with the environment. The recognition of Yan Wenming and the achievements at the Sanxingdui site underscore the forum’s role in highlighting the significant contributions of Chinese archaeology to the global academic community.
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