Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract/Objectives

This project builds upon the designation spirit established by the Pingtung County Government for county-designated archaeological sites. From both academic and heritage management perspectives, the Eluanbi Archaeological Site Complex demonstrates distinctive characteristics, including the continuity of ecological settings and geographical landscapes, the interrelatedness of activity areas, chronological continuity, and a high-density distribution of cultural remains. Accordingly, based on relevant cultural heritage legislation and evaluated from a nationwide perspective, the cultural significance of this site cluster indicates strong potential for designation as a Nationally Designated Archaeological Site.

Results/Contributions

The Eluanbi Archaeological Site Complex encompasses one of the most important Middle Neolithic sites in Taiwan. Its distinctive topography and geomorphology shaped the subsistence adaptations of prehistoric populations, making it the largest and best-preserved marine-adaptation–type archaeological site in Taiwan, with rich cultural deposits and outstanding cultural heritage value of international significance.

The site cluster not only demonstrates patterns of movement and interaction between eastern and western populations within Taiwan, but also includes, at Eluanbi-I Site, the only confirmed prehistoric shell-working workshop currently identified in Taiwan, as well as the largest number of slate coffins dating to the Middle Neolithic period. Furthermore, through artifact typology and bio-genetic evidence derived from human remains, the site provides crucial insights into population movements and cultural interactions across the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

The Eluanbi Archaeological Site Complex is characterized by its antiquity, abundant archaeological features, and rich assemblage of excavated materials, all of which exhibit a high degree of uniqueness. It holds national representativeness within Taiwanese archaeology and remains in relatively good condition. Located within the ecological protection zone of a national park, it is already the first county-designated archaeological site in Pingtung County and possesses strong potential for elevation to a nationally designated archaeological site. Such designation would grant an appropriate legal status, establish a foundation for statutory protection and resource allocation, promote educational outreach, and enable systematic, long-term planning for the research, conservation, and curation of excavated materials.

Keywords

Eluanbi Archaeological Site Complex, Nationally Designated Archaeological Site, Cultural Heritage Preservation, Pre-Ceramic Culture, Middle Neolithic Period, Kenting Culture, Prehistoric Shell Workshop, Slate Coffins

Contact Information

邱鴻霖
hlchiu@mx.nthu.edu.tw