Consul Richard Cox Visited the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology

    On October 31, a delegation led by Richard Cox, Deputy Consul General of the United Kingdom in Wuhan, visited the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology (HPICHA). Li Qin, the Executive Director of the HPICHA, hosted a seat-meeting, along with representatives from the HPICHA. The two sides conducted productive exchanges on the future cooperation prospects, put forward a series of constructive suggestions, and clarified that substantive cooperation will be carried out in key areas such as cultural heritage conservation, archaeological research, professional talent exchange, and joint exhibition promotion. Both sides agreed that this visit has laid a solid foundation for deepening cooperation, and are willing to establish a long-term exchange mechanism, promote the implementation of more diversified and in-depth cooperation projects, and enable the cultures of the two countries to radiate new vitality and brilliance through mutual learning. During the visit, Consul Richard Cox visited Cultural Relics Conservation Center, Cultural Relics Warehouse, Scientific and Technological Archaeology Center, and an exhibition showing the history of the HPICHA.

    The visit began at the HPICHA’s Cultural Relics Conservation Center. Under the detailed explanation of Tang Jing, Deputy Director of the Basic Research Department, the professional strength in the field of cultural heritage conservation was fully demonstrated, and Consul Richard Cox gained a systematic understanding of the core functions of the Cultural Relics Conservation Center. During the visit, staff also introduced how to use various precision machines in the laboratory one by one. Consul Richard Cox paused frequently to observe the ongoing cultural relics restoration projects at close range and expressed admiration for the rigorous, meticulous working atmosphere.

    Subsequently, the delegation walked into the Cultural Relics Warehouse. During the explanation, the staff combined physical artifacts to systematically introduce the overview of key archaeological sites excavated under the leadership of the HPICHA, the historical context of the Central Plains culture, and the distinctive features of cultural relics from different periods. This allowed Consul Richard Cox not only to feel the charm of the cultural relics intuitively but also to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural connotations behind them.

    The third stop was the Scientific and Technological Archaeology Center. Consul Richard Cox observed the precious animal bones unearthed from archaeological sites at close range and gained an intuitive understanding of the scientific support system for archaeological research at the comparative specimen library of living animal bones. The staff also explained in detail the application of laboratory instruments in fields such as 3D digital collection, archiving, and analysis of cultural relics. From preserving cultural relic information through digital technology to solving historical puzzles via microscopic analysis, the integration of technology and archaeology gave Consul Richard Cox a deeper recognition of the HPICHA’s scientific research capabilities.

    Concul Richard Cox stopped by an exhibition showing the history of the HPICHA at the fourth stop. Xu Rui, Director of the International Cooperation and External Exchange Department, guided through the timeline to introduce the development history of the HPICHA since its establishment in 1952, the honorary achievements obtained over the years, the representative cultural relics unearthed from key sites, as well as future development prospects and directions.