Keqiutou Site Museum' s exterior [Photo by Ye Dexiong]

On December 16, the Keqiutou Site Museum was inaugurated in Pingtan, the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan, unveiling the latest archaeological research on the Austronesian people along the southeast coast of Fujian. This event marks a monumental occasion in Chinese archaeology and cultural heritage.

Guests visiting the museum [Photo by Ye Dexiong]

The Keqiutou Site, designated as a national key cultural relics protection unit, is pivotal in the study of Austronesian origins. The museum, constructed around the site, covers an area of approximately 13,500 square meters and is home to three exhibition halls, displaying over 600 artifacts that offer a comprehensive exploration of the Austronesian people's history and cultural diffusion.

The first exhibition hall highlights the legacy of Austronesian ancestors, offering insights into their way of life, social structure, and artistic sensibilities through a curated display of prehistoric pottery and daily utensils. These artifacts are adorned with intricate patterns, including incised lines, shell-tooth impressions, and nail-made markings, reflecting their refined artistic techniques.

"The similarity of these patterns allows us to conclude that the Dabenkeng culture in Taiwan and the Keqiutou culture belong to the same cultural circle," stated Fan Xuechun, dean of the Pingtan International Austronesian Research Institute. "Taiwan's Neolithic culture did not originate indigenously; instead, Keqiutou is likely the source of these cultures, making it the cultural origin of Dabenkeng."

The second and third exhibition halls broaden their scope to the Pacific Islands, including Papua New Guinea and Fiji, with 276 artifacts from the Bowers Museum in the United States. These artifacts, which include wood carvings, pottery, and ethnic clothing, highlight the unique characteristics of the Austronesian people's living utensils and religious beliefs.

The second and third exhibition halls broaden the narrative, exploring the Austronesian diaspora across the Pacific Islands, including Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Featuring 276 artifacts on loan from the Bowers Museum in the United States, these displays include intricate wood carvings, ornate pottery, and traditional ethnic clothing, exemplifying the Austronesian people's unique craftsmanship, daily practices, and spiritual beliefs.

The museum's inauguration drew visitors from across the South Pacific, including Hiria Ottino, president of the Pacific-China Friendship Association. Ottino, who embarked on a root-seeking journey in 2010, confirmed the navigability of traveling from China to the South Pacific by sea. Reflecting on his return to Pingtan after 14 years, he said, "It is astonishing to see Pingtan now home to such an impressive museum. It serves as a vital link between Austronesian peoples and strengthens our shared cultural bonds."

The Keqiutou Site Museum not only enriches Pingtan's cultural landscape but also offers fresh perspectives on Austronesian history. It is poised to foster cultural exchanges and bolster tourism research, reinforcing Pingtan's global connections while preserving and advancing Austronesian cultural heritage.