Archaeological Collections in Central Taiwan :

1. Background:

   The study of archaeology in Taiwan has a history of over one hundred years, dating back to the discovery of stone implements by a Japanese schoolteacher in 1896, at the Chichshanyen Site in Taipei city. During that time a large number of specimens and volume of field study data has been collected. Ever since the establishment of the Archaeology section of the Department of Anthropology at the Museum, a major work focus has been to conduct surveys and research into archaeological work being undertaken across Taiwan. The scope of this research work covers the whole island of Taiwan, but for reasons of geographic convenience most has been concentrated in central areas, including Miaoli County, Taichung City and County, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County and Chiayi County. The surveys and field excavation work conducted at many prehistoric sites and a handful of historical sites have resulted in the collection of a great number of archaeological artifacts and the accumulation of considerable site and artifact related data, including written records, photographs, specimen photographs, maps, test pit grid maps and even filmed recordings of excavation work etc.

   The digitalization of collections of unearthed artifacts from archaeological sites across Taiwan and related data, facilitate more efficient standards of management and collection. In addition, recreations of how prehistoric people lived are one example of a valuable museum resource, access to which can be provided over the Internet to professional archaeologists, scholars of folk culture and interested members of the public. Such developments bring with them great benefits not just to the field of academic research but also social education.

2. Objectives:

   Our key work objective is to establish a digital database containing all significant data relating to prehistoric archaeological sites in central Taiwan (mainly covering Taichung City and County, Changhua County, Nantou county and Yunlin County). This will then be used as an important reference source by academics, government departments and engineering agencies or private companies. The database will include written documents, maps, site photographs and specimen photographs etc. In the main this data will be based on historical documents and survey information previously collected by the Department of Anthropology. Additional data from field studies will be added as and when collected.

   The ultimate objective is to digitalize representative specimens unearthed and field excavation work from the five most important prehistoric cultures in central Taiwan; Niumatou, Yingpu, Tamalin, Fantsaiyuan and Tachiuyuan cultures. In addition, it is also planned to digitalize samples taken by the Archaeology Section of the Department of Anthropology, through excavation work and surface surveys conducted at the Pantou Village Site in Hsinkang Township, Chiayi County and the Ching Dynasty Han Cultural specimen from Old Pen Kang.