Abstract
How can we express archaeology? Perfect expression is an elusive concept, and indeed, people with different perspectives tend to raise divergent, if not contradictory, opinions. When archaeology intersects with social practice, it inevitably encounters a myriad of stakeholder interests and a corresponding spectrum of critiques on its development. The evolution of contemporary archaeology has distanced it from an era when elite discourse dominated absolutely. The expressions of archaeology are not singular. They are like our course discussions, where consensus is gradually forged through constant negotiation amidst diverse expressions.
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Notes
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我善養吾浩然之氣. The vast, flowing passion-nature, or haoranzhiqi 浩然之氣, refers to the moral capability of humans and the vital force of justness. Translation by James Legge.
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Wen Tianxiang 文天祥 (1236–1283) was a prominent statesman, military general, and poet during China’s Song Dynasty. He is revered as a national hero for his unwavering loyalty to the Song Dynasty during its conflict with the invading Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. Wen is also known for his poetry, particularly his “Song of Righteousness”, a powerful work that encapsulates his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to his government. He was captured and held prisoner by the Yuan Dynasty for several years and ultimately chose execution over pledging loyalty to the Yuan.
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The Daming Palace (大明宮) was the imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty, located in its capital, Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an, Shaanxi, China). It served as the royal court and political hub for approximately 220 years. Known for its grandeur and architectural sophistication, the Daming Palace was one of the world's largest and most impressive palaces during its time. Today, it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is represented by the Daming Palace National Heritage Park, a large park with several restored structures that offer insight into the historical and cultural richness of the Tang Dynasty.
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The Tomb of the Nanyue King (南越王墓) refers to the mausoleum of Zhao Mo, the second king of the Nanyue state during the Western Han Dynasty. Unearthed in 1983 in Guangzhou, China, the tomb is one of the largest and best-preserved tombs of the Han Dynasty that has been discovered. It is famed for the discovery of a burial chariot and a wealth of exquisite artefacts, most notably a jade burial suit—one of the earliest and finest examples of such suits. Today, these findings are displayed in the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, offering visitors a deep understanding of the historical and cultural exchanges between the Northern and Southern China regions during the Han Dynasty.
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The Stele Forest Museum (碑林博物館) is a renowned institution located in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. The history of the Stele Forest can be traced back to 1087 during the Song Dynasty. It is famed for its vast collection of over 3000 stone steles, epitaphs, and sculptures, spanning over a millennium from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Calligraphy enthusiasts especially revere the museum as it houses numerous works by celebrated Chinese calligraphers. These inscribed steles provide an invaluable historical record of China’s changing script styles and significant cultural, historical, and religious events.
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Chen, S. (2024). The Expression of Archaeology. In: Exploring Archaeology. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-1135-2_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-1135-2_5
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Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-97-1134-5
Online ISBN: 978-981-97-1135-2
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