Facial Reconstruction of the Ancients at the Yangshao Village Site and the Symposium on Ancient DNA Held Successfully

On the morning of September 24, 2024, a press conference on the achievements of the facial reconstruction of the ancients at the Yangshao Village Site was held at the Yangshao Cultural Museum in Mianchi County, Sanmenxia City, Henan Province. 

Wei Xingtao, Vice President of Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, introduced the achievements of the facial reconstruction of the ancients at the Yangshao Village Site. The scientific research team worked together to tackle key problems, fully combining physical anthropology identification, ancient DNA study, carbon-14 dating, etc., and using craniofacial restoration technology. After more than one year of hard work, they successfully reconstructed the appearance of one Yangshao ancient man and one Longshan ancient man: the Yangshao ancient man was a male in his forties living about 5,600 years ago and the Longshan ancient man was a male in his fifties living about 4,000 years ago.

Unveiling Ceremony of the Facial Reconstruction of the Ancients at the Yangshao Village Site

The Unveiling Ceremony of the Facial Reconstruction of the Ancients at the Yangshao Village Site was held afterward. Geng Yuezu, Deputy Director-General of the Institute of Forensic Science of China, Wang Jifeng, Deputy Chief of the Forensic Center of Public Security of Henan Province, Sun Yingmin, President of Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology and Wu Huifang, Director-General of the Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau of Sanmenxia City jointly unveiled the reconstructed sculptures of the “Yangshao ancient man” and the “Longshan ancient man”.

The Conference on Facial Reconstruction of the Ancients at the Yangshao Village Site and the Symposium on Ancient DNA

The thematic academic report session was hosted by Vice President Wei Xingtao. Li Shiwei from the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology presented on “The Fourth Archaeological Excavation of the Yangshao Village Site and the Collection of Human Bone Remains.” Sun Lei, also from the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, reported on “Preliminary Research on the Physical Anthropology of the Neolithic Age at the Yangshao Village Site.” Professor Wang Chuanchao from the Institute of Anthropology at Xiamen University discussed “Research on the Genome of Ancient People at the Yangshao Village Site.” Lastly, a Division Rank Official from the Institute of Forensic Science of China presented “Achievements in Facial Reconstruction of Ancients at the Yangshao Village Site.”  

The expert discussion session was hosted by Professor Yuan Guangkuo from Capital Normal University. During the conference, experts exchanged views on the facial reconstruction of ancient individuals from the Yangshao Village Site, as well as the research results related to ancient DNA. Sun Yingmin, the President of the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, summarized the discussions. The experts unanimously praised the significant achievements in the facial reconstruction efforts at the Yangshao Village Site and the findings from ancient DNA research. They agreed that these efforts exemplify the comprehensive implementation of the spirit expressed in General Secretary Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter. This initiative represents an excellent model of forward-thinking research planning that leads to academic development and promotes collaboration across multiple disciplines and technologies. These advancements illustrate how archaeology in the new era is taking on greater responsibilities and playing a more prominent role in the field. They hold substantial significance in promoting the transformation and dissemination of the latest research concerning the origins of Chinese civilization and Yangshao Culture. Furthermore, these efforts aim to enhance the preservation of cultural relics and foster scientific and technological innovation in Henan Province, thereby strengthening cultural and national identity.