Introduction to Archaeology

Author: Wu Shichu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: The scientific study of cultural relics plays a decisive role in understanding their value, utilizing their functions, and managing their preservation. The classification and identification of cultural relics are prerequisites for conducting scientific research on them and are also part of the research content. Due to the differences in eras, materials, and types, as well as their diverse functions, this book classifies cultural relics from various perspectives using different classification methods, making it a valuable reference for relevant professionals and a textbook for academic institutions.
The study of cultural relics originated from their research, and conversely, the establishment of the discipline of cultural relic studies has further advanced and developed the research on them. The organization and compilation of cultural relic materials are crucial steps in conducting scientific research on cultural relics. This process of organization and compilation is also a process of scientific research. People's understanding of things always begins with the study of individual cases, and the scientific research on cultural relics is no exception. The study of a specific category of cultural relics must start with the analysis of individual artifacts or case studies of specific units, followed by systematic research on this category of cultural relics. Therefore, the classification, organization, and compilation of cultural relic materials are of great importance.
Throughout history, numerous records of various types of cultural relics have been passed down domestically and internationally, most of which represent the achievements of research at the time and have also served to promote further research on cultural relics. Later, research institutions, museums, and archaeological research units have successively compiled and published a large number of catalogs and reference materials on cultural relics, making the organization and compilation of these materials more authoritative and results. This will undoubtedly play an even more significant role in promoting future scientific research on cultural relics.