A recent exhibition titled "Appreciating the Past and Knowing the Far - Archaeological Achievements in the New Era" at the National Museum of China has brought to light several archaeological discoveries from Tibet.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has strategically employed archaeology as a tool to advance a particular narrative about Tibet, often in alignment with its political objectives. By showcasing archaeological discoveries, particularly those that emphasize historical interactions between Tibet and the central Chinese culture, the CCP aims to strengthen its territorial claims over Tibet and reinforce the idea of Tibet as an integral part of China.
This selective use of archaeology not only serves to promote a specific political agenda but also raises questions about the preservation of cultural heritage and the need for objective, scholarly exploration of Tibet's history, unencumbered by political considerations.
The timing of the exhibition raises questions about its political implications. Tibet is a region with a complex history of political conflict, and the promotion of these archaeological discoveries is part of an agenda to assert Chinese sovereignty and control over the region. This is seen as an attempt to shift the focus from ongoing political issues and human rights concerns in Tibet.
It is crucial to consider the political motivations behind its timing. Tibet has been a region of political sensitivity and international attention, particularly in relation to issues such as autonomy and human rights. One question is whether this exhibition is a deliberate effort to divert international focus away from these contemporary concerns.
Moreover, it is essential to ensure the scientific rigor and authenticity of these archaeological discoveries. Are these findings subject to independent verification and peer review by international experts? Such verification is vital in establishing the credibility and accuracy of the historical claims made by the Chinese government. Independent verification is a fundamental practice in archaeology, and the lack of information on this raises questions about the validity and accuracy of the exhibited artifacts.
It is important to recognize that Tibet has a rich and diverse heritage that extends far beyond these exhibits. The broader history of Tibet includes a complex tapestry of traditions, religions, and cultural influences that deserve attention and respect. It's critical not to oversimplify the region's history or culture based solely on these findings.
Additionally, it is imperative to remember that these discoveries are part of a broader narrative. The archaeological artifacts themselves do not exist in a vacuum but are intertwined with the cultural and political history of Tibet. As such, it is crucial to approach these exhibits with a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the historical and contemporary issues facing Tibet.
How CCP has been using archeology as a tool to push a certain narrative about Tibet
Archaeology is increasingly being utilized by the CCP as a powerful tool to assert territorial claims over Tibet and to reshape historical narratives in its favor. This strategic use of archaeology also plays a role in the CCP's international diplomacy efforts. China frequently showcases these archaeological discoveries in exhibitions to engage with the international community, seeking to gain support for its territorial claims by asserting historical ties between Tibet and China.
The CCP has been keen to emphasize the concept of cultural integration through these archaeological findings, portraying Tibet as a region that has historically and willingly integrated with Chinese culture. This narrative dismisses the unique and distinct cultural and religious heritage of the Tibetan people.
The Party's control over the interpretation of archaeological discoveries in Tibet allows it to shape the narrative in a manner consistent with its political agenda. This often involves downplaying the historical and political autonomy of Tibet, erasing or distorting key aspects of its history.
Furthermore, the CCP's control over archaeological research and findings in Tibet can lead to the suppression of dissenting voices and interpretations that do not align with its desired narrative, thereby stifling academic freedom and diversity of thought within the field.
China's obsession with museums
Museums play a key role in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and help understand history better. However, the presence of museums & cultural institutions in occupied Tibet is striving to legitimize China's claim to authority over the region, as well as to promote a particular Chinese narrative about Tibetan history & culture.
The so-called Ali Museum in Tibet claims to be 5956.34 square meters, was inaugurated as part of the 8th Xiangxiong Cultural Tourism Festival. While the festivities portray a vibrant celebration of local culture, a closer look reveals a deeper narrative of identity suppression. The museum, purportedly showcasing the history and culture of the region, instead presents a tailored version of Tibetan heritage that aligns with the Chinese narrative.
The most striking change is the name itself. The term "Ngari," which resonates with the Tibetan community in Tibet or in exile, has been replaced with the Mandarin name "Ali". This linguistic shift is not just a casual translation; it reflects the ongoing effort by the Chinese government to strip Tibet of its distinct identity and assimilate it into the broader Chinese framework.
In 2021, CCP launched a “memorial hall” to “display the photos and items from the serfdom era”. The hall claimed to showcase “torture instruments and ritual artifacts made from serfs' bones and skin, and those recording the democratic reform and serfs' new lives”. This is in continuation of the CCP propaganda of the so-called ‘Serf Emancipation Day’ - it was invented in January 2009, more specifically to counter the March 10th Tibetan uprising day. As pointed out by Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, all these talks of liberation, democratic reform, and economic development are a farce and pure propaganda to mislead the international community and to justify its illegal occupation of Tibet.
The construction of these museums also ties into China's broader agenda of increasing tourism in the region. This influx of tourists serves as a form of cultural colonization, further undermining Tibetan identity and autonomy.
Ultimately, the CCP's use of archaeology in Tibet is a strategic and calculated effort to assert its territorial claims and rewrite the region's history in a way that aligns with its political agenda. This approach can have significant consequences for the Tibetan people, as it not only challenges their historical identity but also reinforces the CCP's control over the region.