On October 21, 2023, the 2024 China Conference on Plant and Animal Archaeology, along with the 13th Conference on Animal Archaeology and the 11th Conference on Plant Archaeology, opened in Zhengzhou, Henan Province.
This event is organized by the Animal Archaeology Professional Committee and the Plant Archaeology Professional Committee of the Chinese Archaeological Society, in collaboration with the Henan Provincial Cultural Relics and Archaeology Society and the Henan Provincial Society for the History of Science and Technology. Over 360 representatives from more than 80 research institutions and universities across the country are attending. The conference aims to enhance collaboration and communication in the field of plant and animal archaeology in China, fostering innovation and development in theory, techniques, and methodologies.
Modern archaeology often focuses on three pivotal themes: the origins of humanity, agriculture, and civilization. Recent advancements in scientific technology have allowed plant and animal archaeology to thrive in China, leading to remarkable archaeological discoveries. For instance, research on bone flutes unearthed at the Jiahu site in Wuyang County, Henan, allows us to listen to enchanting melodies from thousands of years ago. Similarly, findings from the Xinyang Chengyangcheng site, involving leaves wrapped around food, provide us with insights into the early forms of zongzi, a traditional Chinese food, dating back over 2000 years. The study of more than 2000 animal bones from the Baishiya Cave site in Gan-su’s Xiahe County has revealed the survival patterns of Denisovans on the Tibetan Plateau for the first time. These discoveries vividly illustrate the lives, customs, and beliefs of ancient peoples.
“Archaeologists have long recognized that plant remains at sites can offer a unique perspective on ancient history,” said Jin Guiyun, the head of the Plant Archaeology Professional Committee of the Chinese Archaeological Society. With the abundant preservation of plant and animal remains at most archaeological sites, China’s work in this area is making significant contributions to the field, becoming a distinctive characteristic of Chinese archaeology.
Looking ahead, Luo Yunbing, the head of the Animal Archaeology Professional Committee, believes that researchers should embrace new technologies with an open mindset. He emphasizes the importance of broadening efforts in stable isotope analysis, ancient DNA research, and residue analysis, while also expanding into proteomics. Additionally, there is a necessity to accelerate the transformation of findings and engage in public outreach, communicating stories of Chinese animal archaeology in formats that resonate with the general public.
Wang Wei, the director of the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, asserts the importance of interdisciplinary integration among archaeology, plant and animal archaeology, stable isotopes, and bioinformatics. He advocates for enhancing the depth and breadth of research, focusing on the construction of key specimen repositories. It is critical to keep pace with cutting-edge archaeological research and to normalize interdisciplinary exchanges and collaborations in order to boost the collective ability to address archaeological challenges through technological advances.
During the conference, three parallel sessions are scheduled, featuring 94 thematic presentations and 41 poster exhibitions, providing participants with extensive opportunities for exchange and display. Scholars will explore various topics from their unique research perspectives, including theories and foundational studies in plant and animal archaeology, applications of new technologies, new discoveries, the complexities of agriculture and society, stable isotope studies, and ancient DNA research.