The Development of Archaeometallurgical Research in Mainland China over the Past 50 Years

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the development of archaeometallurgical research in China over the past 50 years. This can be divided roughly into three periods. Archaeometallurgical research in the first period (1974–1983) is represented by Professor Tsun Ko’s (Ke Jun 柯俊) work on a Shang bronze axe with a meteoritic iron blade, which exemplified the successful application of scientific analysis to archaeological metals. The second period (1984–2003) saw the beginning of institutionalisation of archaeometallurgical research, which laid a solid foundation for later growth and expansion. The third period (2004–2023) is characterised by a series of significant changes, such as the emergence of new generations of scholars, an expansion of postgraduate programs, and the implementation of national research projects. The transition from a nationalism-motivated framework to a science-oriented approach is significant in understanding recent developments in archaeometallurgical research in China. This chapter not only highlights important changes in research focuses and theoretical approaches but also explores the motivations and mechanisms behind these changes. The crucial role of the international conference series ‘The Beginnings of the Uses of Metals and Alloys’ (the BUMA conference) in the development of archaeometallurgical research in China is examined to show the long-term impact of growing cooperations and exchanges between Chinese scholars and international partners and colleagues.

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