Chinese archaeologists excavate in the Tepe Naderi site on the Iranian Plateau.

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The establishment of the Research Center for Chinese Archaeology Abroad signals that China is ready to make its mark on the field of global archaeology. A CSST reporter recently interviewed the center’s Director Wang Wei, who is also a CASS Member and director-general of Chinese Society of Archaeology, to hear his take on China’s plans for archaeology abroad.

CSST: Please talk about the status quo of China’s cooperation with foreign countries on archaeology and what achievements have been made.

Wang Wei: Altogether, more than 70 joint archaeological excavations and research projects between Chinese and foreign scholars were approved and implemented in China from the time of the reform and opening up until 2015. From 2004 and 2005 on, Chinese archaeologists turned their eyes to the neighboring countries, such as Russia, Mongolia and Vietnam. In 2012, the Institute of Archaeology at CASS worked on the excavation in the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan, which is an important region along the “Belt and Road.”

It was noteworthy that in the summer of 2015, the Institute of Archaeology at CASS initiated cooperation with the Honduras Institute of History and Anthropology as well as Harvard University to conduct large-scale archaeological work on the Copan site, which was once the capital city of the Mayan civilization. This is the first time that a Chinese archaeological institute has excavated the ruins of one of the world’s most important ancient civilizations abroad, demonstrating China’s determination and ability to “go global” in the field of archaeology.

CSST: Opportunities and challenges always come together. So in what way does Chinese archaeology tackle challenges that it faces?

Wang Wei: We have seen that though the number of China’s archaeological programs abroad is growing, the situation still does not fully match the country’s role as the second-largest world economy, its cultural fame or its splendid history of ancient civilization. For example, Egypt is famous for its archaeology, but it is a pity that among all the 206 archaeological investigation and excavation projects underway in Egypt, none are from China. Our partner countries, such as Poland, Czech, Slovakia, and Argentina are on the list of these Egyptian programs. This makes us feel that “going global” is a pressing task that needs to be fulfilled for Chinese archaeology.

CSST: Could you introduce the new programs that the Institute of Archaeology at CASS plans to undertake in the near future?

Wang Wei: In the latter half of this year, the Institute of Archaeology at CASS will leave for the important sites of Egyptian civilization and Harappa, where the Indus civilization flourished. This is part of the comparative research between Chinese civilization and other world ancient civilizations that was approved as one of the major research programs of CASS. The targeted excavation site in Egypt has been decided—The Temple of Montu site, one of the main features of the Karnak Temple Complex located in Luxor, a southern Egyptian city. To fully prepare for this archaeological undertaking, the Institute of Archaeology at CASS has invited some internationally known experts on Egyptian archaeology and held a series of 13 lectures on archaeology in Egypt.

CSST: So in what way did Egyptian and Indian civilization contribute to the world civilization?
Wang Wei: Similar to the Chinese civilization, the Egyptian civilization and the Harappa ancient civilization of India had far-reaching influence and both played crucial parts in fostering the progress of world civilization. To resolve the puzzles that still perplex scholars in their research on Chinese civilization, comparative study could offer a good frame of reference. In addition, it is the responsibility of Chinese archaeologists not only to decipher Chinese civilization but also to contribute their wisdom to unravelling the mysteries that remain unresolved in the study of world civilization.

We are also interested in the study of early Buddhism. Buddhism in early times underwent a decline long ago in India and was nearly replaced by Hinduism. It can be said that Buddhism originated in India but developed and thrived in China. The recordings of early Buddhism are almost entirely found in Chinese literature and India, however, is not that familiar with it. Therefore, we hope that through Buddhist archaeological cooperation with India, the recordings of early Buddhism can be verified and corroborated by the historic sites and legacies in its birthplace.

CSST: What are the planned tasks for this newly established Research Center for Chinese Archaeology Abroad at CASS?

Wang Wei: A lot of work needs to be done and we could start with the easier projects. For example, we could translate some works on Chinese-foreign archeology to prepare relevant materials. At the same time, it is important that we take full advantage of what we are good at. Stratigraphy and typology are the effective weapons of Chinese field archaeology. They need to be further improved and made global. Archaeometry by means of scientific techniques and the repair and protection technology of cultural relics are also the strengths of Chinese archaeology. What we need to do is to draw our own merits and offset the weakness as well as to strive for more abundant and sustainable research grant.