Peking Man’s Place in Public Representations of Palaeolithic Archaeology

Peking Man's portrayal in public representations of Palaeolithic archaeology reflects broader societal and political shifts in China. The study identifies four distinct phases: the discovery phase (1921), the Mao era, the Reform and Opening period (1980s), and a current fourth phase marked by a gradual diminishment of Peking Man's status. Initially, the focus was on significant fossil discoveries and international collaboration, emphasizing Asia's potential as humanity's birthplace. During the Mao era, Peking Man was integrated into Marxist narratives, symbolizing Chinese unity and antiquity. The third phase re-engaged with global paleoanthropological debates, challenging previous interpretations. Current trends suggest a shift away from Peking Man's prominence, indicating evolving societal relationships with ancient history.

Wesemann, L. (2026). Peking Man’s Place in Public Representations of Palaeolithic Archaeology. The Oxford Handbook of the History and Practice of Chinese Archaeology, 875–890. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197800324.013.0044