Shanxi Exhibits “Dragon Cultural Relics” Uncovering the Origins of Chinese Civilization
During the Chinese Lunar New Year, a special exhibition was launched in Shanxi, China, showcasing over 100 dragon cultural relics that span more than 4,000 years. The exhibition, titled “Seeing Dragons in the Fields – Exhibition of Dragon Cultural Relics Unearthed in Shanxi,” provides the public with a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of the dragon image and its significance in Chinese culture.
Organized by the Shanxi Archaeological Museum, the exhibition features a variety of dragon-related cultural relics, ranging from prehistoric artifacts to items from the Qing Dynasty. The artifacts are curated into three units, “Holding the Dragon as a Gift,” “Star Animals,” and “The Dragon Walks in China – Jiachen Year of the Dragon Zodiac Cultural Relics Exhibition,” which systematically introduce the changes in the image of dragons throughout history.
Archaeological findings presented at the exhibition demonstrate the transition of dragon patterns from concrete to abstract, with their shapes and patterns becoming unified over time. The dragon image eventually became a model for future generations, carrying rich cultural connotations and providing insight into the origin and development of Chinese civilization.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the display of the painted dragon plates unearthed from the Taosi site in Shanxi, dating back more than 4,000 years. These dragon plates are hailed as “China’s first dragon pottery” and offer a glimpse into the ancient Chinese worship of dragons. According to Fan Wenqian, director of the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archeology, the exhibition aims to highlight the important role of archaeology in showcasing the elegance of Chinese civilization.
The “Dragon Cultural Relics” exhibitions provide a rare opportunity for the public to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of dragons in Chinese culture and to appreciate the rich history of the country. The artifacts on display serve as a testament to the enduring cultural legacy of the dragon in China and its role in shaping the nation’s identity.