Zhang Siping, 67, points to a photo in the Yinxu Ruins of Oracle Bones Unearthed History Museum and retells the story behind it. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Four generations of the Zhang family have watched the archaeological excavation of the Yinxu Ruins in Xiaotun village of Anyang, Henan province.
Their story dates to 1928 when Academia Sinica, then the preeminent academic research institution in China, was originally established in Nanjing. Among its scholars was Dong Zuobin who initiated the scientific excavation of the Yinxu Ruins in 1928.
He and his archaeological team arrived in Xiaotun village to work and lived with Zhang Xuexian, head of seven nearby villages, who deeply understood the importance of preserving cultural relics, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Zhang Xuexian, the start of the four-generation story, oversaw the recruitment of workers and logistics for the archaeological team in Anyang.
In 2008, Dong Min (right), the son of Dong Zuobin, reunited with Zhang Siping, visiting him in Henan for academic conferences and bringing along numerous images and texts about the archaeological team from Taiwan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Despite disruptions caused by war, the excavation remained a focal point until the institute relocated to Taiwan.
Zhang Siping, 67, a member of the third generation, proudly recalled, "He was my grandfather. He made our house into an activity hub for the researchers at that time."
The well-known YH127 pit at the Yinxu Ruins, where the largest number of oracle bones were unearthed, was discovered in the family's field, he said.
Zhang Siping also emphasized the significant role of his father, Zhang Shukai, who served as a teacher in the village and was actively involved in promoting the preservation of cultural relics throughout his life.
In 2008, Dong Min, son of Dong Zuobin, reunited with Zhang Siping, visiting him in Henan for academic conferences and bringing along numerous images and texts about the archaeological team from Taiwan. Their exchanges deepened their commitment to preserving the legacy of the Yinxu Ruins.
Zhang Dongliang, 32, the son of Zhang Siping and a fourth-generation family member, leads a youth research and study team to discover the history of the Yinxu Ruins. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
To share the history with more people, Zhang Siping established a museum called the Yinxu Ruins of Oracle Bones Unearthed History Museum in 2023. It is located within the rebuilt courtyard of the Zhang family. The museum meticulously presents historical details through text and images.
Zhang Dongliang, 32, the son of Zhang Siping and a fourth-generation family member, leads youth research and study teams to discover the history of the village and the people who have safeguarded and promoted the legacy of the Yinxu Ruins.
Qi Xin in Zhengzhou contributed to this story.
