A Special Exhibition of Animals in Prehistoric Taiwan2024.1.19(Fri.)-2025.1.05(Sun.)
Special Exhibition Hall I, Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology, New Taipei City
Being a subtropical island, Taiwan has always been home to a diverse array of animals. This special exhibition introduces the common animals in prehistoric Taiwan,through archaeological research, through fossils, archaeological remains, animal specimens and related artifacts, helping us comprehend Taiwan's past natural ecology, the intricate interplay between humans and their environment, and the formation of history and culture.
【Assemble! Taiwan’s prehistoric animals】
Taiwan is located in the subtropics, surrounded by sea, with rich natural resources and high level of biodiversity. Although most individual animals have disappeared in the flood of history, we can still learn about these ancient residents of Taiwan through fossils in the strata and animal bones unearthed at archeological sites.
【Hunting animals】
As omnivores, for humans, meat is an important source of food, and hunting large animals was the key to human evolution. Until modern times, hunting and fishing were important livelihood activities for many people. The fishing and hunting methods and tools used by people in Taiwan from prehistoric to modern times feature a lot of ecological wisdom.
【Making the most of everything】
Since ancient times, animals have made significant contributions to human survival. They provide human life necessities; their flesh and blood are used as food, their fur provides warmth, and the leftover bones can be made into tools. In many places, animals are regarded as property or commodities for trading, as important resources for foreign exchange.
【Animistic beliefs about animals】
In human society, in addition to serving as food, animals are often symbols of spiritual culture. Wild animals are powerful, mysterious and unpredictable. Prehistoric people revered and worshipped their power. Therefore, human art often depicted the animals around them; they also appeared in myths, as totems or decorations, and were even regarded as ancestors. Of great social or religious significance, they symbolized the interaction between man and nature.
