What insight does archaeology offer the present day? We cordially invite you on a journey through time in this exhibition to explore topics such as cultural rights, food, megalith, disaster, and genders, which resonate across the ages and are closely connected to our lives. Come experience and understand archaeology from diverse perspectives.
CULTURAL RIGHTS
Who Gets to Tell the Story?
Archaeological findings are public assets; they should not become personal collections nor be acquired through illicit means. Archaeology is not treasure hunting, but a scientific process that must be carefully conducted from excavation to research. Interpretation grounded in factual evidence and cultural context enables a deeper understanding of how people lived in the past. In the past, out of curiosity about other cultures, many archaeological artifacts were taken from their original sites for the purposes of collection and display. In recent years, there has been growing international reflection on the ownership and rightful home of artifacts. The repatriation of archaeological artifacts has become a key topic and movement in contemporary discussions on cultural identity and historical justice.
FOOD
Archaeology on the Dining Table
Food is fundamental to sustaining life, yet, while over 700 million people face hunger crises, 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted each year. We are currently confronted with issues of unequal food distribution, food waste, and a scarcity of biodiversity. Archaeology studies evidence of past diets to trace how plants and animals underwent long-term human use, selection, breeding, or domestication, gradually adapting and evolving. As human populations migrated, these species spread globally, resulting in the distribution patterns observed today. However, with changes in natural environments and human needs, species extinction and resource depletion have become increasingly severe. Through the archaeology on our dining tables, we can explore the historical journey of food ingredients as a step toward a more sustainable future.
MEGALITH
Imagination of Greatness
In the past, people constructed monumental structures such as Stonehenge, the Pyramids, and the Moai statues. These remarkable achievements were not only demonstrations of technical skill and artistic vision but also profound symbols of cultural beliefs and social values. Today, people continue to build skyscrapers, monuments, and public art, which also reflect the beliefs and values of contemporary society. Archaeology employs scientific analysis to investigate how past communities carved, transported, and erected these megaliths, revealing insights into their natural environment, cultural economy, and significant spiritual beliefs. These megaliths not only record the illustrious history of past communities but also leave us with vast imaginations of greatness, inviting us to reflect on humanity’s exploration of the meanings behind architecture and belief.
DISASTER
Coexistence with Nature
Natural phenomena such as typhoons, earthquakes, landslides, and droughts are closely tied to our daily lives, impacting livelihoods and, at times, posing significant risks. In an era of environmental change and increasingly extreme climates, these disasters have grown more intense, making the pursuit of coexistence with nature an essential objective for sustainable human development. Looking back, people in the past also faced threats from natural disasters. Archaeological findings reveal traces of various catastrophes affecting settlement locations, leading to the collapse of civilizations and human migration. However, some societies developed strategies to adapt and respond effectively. Through archaeological research, we gain insights from the past, drawing wisdom from the experiences of those who came before us to seek solutions for harmonious coexistence with our environment.
GENDERS
Different? So What!
In many societies, gender binary perspectives have shaped expectations around the demeanor, appearances, and behaviors considered appropriate for men and women. However, contemporary trend is gradually breaking down these frameworks, instead encouraging the exploration of diverse self-identities. Early archaeological research often fell into the pitfalls of male-centric perspectives and gender stereotypes. Women were frequently overlooked in studies, and narratives like ‘men as hunters, women as gatherers’ were commonly accepted as natural truths. With the rise of gender studies, however, the gender dynamics of prehistoric societies have gained attention, prompting archaeologists to explore alternative possibilities. This shift encourages dialogue with contemporary views, linking ancient and modern perspectives on gender and social experience.