Introduction
The Sanxingdui Museum has witnessed a record-breaking surge in visitors this summer, with an average of 22,500 people per day and a total of over 1.3 million visitors, reflecting the enduring fascination with the ancient Shu civilization. As part of the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote China’s rich cultural heritage, the Sichuan Provincial Traditional Chinese Culture Inheritance and Development Coordination Group, in collaboration with the Sichuan Daily Press Group (Cover News and Huaxi Metropolitan Daily), is hosting a series of lectures under the theme Ancient Shu Civilization Season. On September 12th, renowned archaeologist and Professor at the Southern University of Science and Technology, Tang Jigen, will deliver a lecture titled The Road of Zun and Lei: Cultural Exchange between the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers during the 16th-11th Centuries BCE.
Background
Tang Jigen is a distinguished scholar with an impressive career, having worked for major news outlets such as Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. His expertise in archaeology has led to significant discoveries, including the unearthing of the 3,000-year-old Yinbei City, the mid-period capital of the Shang Dynasty, which has helped refine the chronological framework of the Shang Dynasty and contributed to the successful inscription of the Yinxiang Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Zun and Lei Road
In an interview with Cover News, Tang introduced the concept of The Road of Zun and Lei, a cultural phenomenon he identified along with fellow archaeologist Professor Zhang Changping. This road represents the spread of bronze casting techniques and the associated institutional systems from the Yellow River Valley to the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, eventually influencing the entire Yangtze River civilization.
The Interaction of Cultures
The Sanxingdui culture, which developed within the Sichuan Basin, evolved from the Guanyinqiao and Baodun cultures. Around 3300 years ago, it absorbed elements from the Central Plains, culminating in the bronze civilization exemplified by the Sanxingdui sacrificial pits. During the late Shang Dynasty, the Central Plains culture, represented by the Zun and Lei, interacted with the imaginative bronze artifacts of the ancient Shu culture, such as the bronze standing figure, the bronze divine tree, the bronze altar, and the kneeling figure with a Zun.
The Lecture
In his lecture, Professor Tang will delve into the formation of the Zun and Lei Road, the influence of the Central Plains culture on the ancient Shu culture, and how the Shu culture reversed its impact on the Yangtze River and other regions in the Central Plains. The lecture aims to shift the focus from merely the bronze artifacts to the broader context of cultural exchange and integration that these artifacts represent.
The Significance of Sanxingdui
While the popularity of Sanxingdui is evident from the summer visitor numbers, Tang emphasizes that understanding the site requires more than just a focus on bronze artifacts. The cultural exchanges and interactions reflected in the Sanxingdui bronzes are a testament to the long history and diverse unity of Chinese civilization.
The Future of Cultural Inheritance
The Celebrity Lecture Hall series is committed to creating a platform for the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of traditional Chinese culture. Since 2022, the series has introduced themed seasons, inviting influential scholars to expound on the rich cultural heritage of Sichuan. This year, the series includes three themed seasons: Sui Road Culture, Ancient Shu Civilization, and Three Kingdoms Culture.
Conclusion
The September 12th lecture promises to offer a deep and engaging exploration of China’s bronze culture and the interactions between different ancient civilizations. Cover News will also provide a live online broadcast for those unable to attend in person. As China continues to preserve and celebrate its cultural heritage, lectures like this serve as a vital link between the past and the future, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich history and diverse cultural tapestry.
Views: 0