Striving to restore history, why is China in its heyday? Xu Feihong, excavation leader of Sanxingdui No. 3 sacrificial pit: devoutly approaching historical themes | China | leader
Xi'an, July 12 (Xinhua) - On July 9, the online theme promotion of "Why China is China in a Prosperous Era" was launched at the Shaanxi Archaeological Museum. At the launch ceremony, Xu Feihong, a lecturer at Shanghai University and the excavation manager of the Sanxingdui No. 3 sacrificial pit, added a mysterious atmosphere from ancient Shu to the scene.
When Xu Feihong started speaking, the shovel in his hand caught the eye. "This is a commemorative hand shovel from Shanghai University that participated in the archaeological excavation of Sanxingdui. In 2021, my colleagues and students participated in the excavation of Sanxingdui No. 3 sacrificial pit." He recalled that the most impressive discovery for himself was the "Bronze Top Zun Kneeling Figure" found in No. 3 pit. "We first discovered the hands of the Bronze Zun and the Bronze Man separately in the pit, and then confirmed that they belong to the same object. Through research, we believed that the Bronze Zun was likely from the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and the Bronze Man was a product of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River."
"The process of constantly unveiling the mysterious veil of cultural relics is truly unforgettable." Xu Feihong told the audience that recently, the top kneeling figure and the giant bronze mythical beast in Pit 8 were assembled, reaching a height of 1.5 meters. The cultural relics have achieved cross pit fusion, allowing unprecedented heavy objects to reappear in the world and also praising the unique worldview of ancient Shu civilization. "This cultural relic reflects the ancient Shu people's absorption and transformation of the Central Plains bronze civilization, interpreting the Chinese cultural heritage through open and inclusive communication, blending, and continuous prosperity."
Xu Feihong admitted that real archaeological work is completely different from the thrilling "treasure hunt" in novels. Most of it is boring. "When excavating in sacrificial pits, we have to work" lying down "for more than 8 hours every day in a 14 square meter pit because we are afraid of damaging cultural relics. In my opinion, such excavation" posture "seems to be a homage to Chinese civilization. Generation after generation of archaeologists are devoutly close to history and strive to restore it."
During Xu Feihong's narration, Fan Jinshi, who has been engaged in the Dunhuang cultural relics industry for 60 years and is currently the honorary director of the Dunhuang Research Institute, also sent a video. "I am 85 years old this year, but as long as I am alive, I will still contribute to the protection of the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang." At the same time, she also encouraged the young people to contribute to the inheritance and development of Chinese excellent traditional culture.
Mr. Fan Jinshi's narration moved many viewers.
"During my postdoctoral period, I was responsible for organizing and compiling reports on the Sui and Tang tombs in Wuchang. This information has been accumulated for over 60 years and is very important. In the 1980s, the Wuchang Sui and Tang tombs were organized by my supervisor and academic leader, Mr. Su Bai. However, due to various limitations, the report was not published at that time. At the end of 2018, I volunteered to lead my colleagues to use new methods and technologies to reorganize this batch of materials, and finally published the archaeological report" Wuchang Sui and Tang Tombs "by the end of 2021."
"I feel very fortunate and proud to stand on the shoulders of our senior teachers and present this splendid cultural heritage to the world. I believe that each of us archaeologists has a place in their hearts, where the torch is passed down and guarded from generation to generation." Xu Feihong said.
The online theme publicity of "Why China in a Prosperous Age" is jointly sponsored by the Network Communication Bureau of the Central Cyberspace Office, the Department of Policies and Regulations, the Department of Cultural Relics and Monuments, the Department of Archaeology, the Department of Museums and Social Relics of the National Cutural Heritage Administration, the Cyberspace Office of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee, the Shaanxi Provincial Bureau of Cultural Relics, the Cyberspace Committee of the Xi'an Municipal Party Committee, People's Daily Online, and the Shaanxi Radio, Television and Media Group, and supported by the China Internet Development Foundation. More than 200 people attended the launch ceremony, including leaders from the Central Cyberspace Office, the National Cutural Heritage Administration, the People's Daily, the central news unit, the central key news website, the local Cyberspace Office, the Cultural Heritage Bureau, the commercial website, and other units, as well as leaders from Shaanxi, major commercial website platforms, and Internet users. During the event, a themed sharing event titled "Undertaking the Cultural Mission of the New Era and Activating the New Vitality of Chinese Civilization" was also held.