Peking Man’s Place in Public Representations of Palaeolithic Archaeology

Abstract This chapter investigates the role and evolution of Peking Man in public representations of Palaeolithic archaeology, particularly through the lens of museum exhibitions. By examining three distinct phases of palaeoanthropology in China—the discovery of the Zhoukoudian site in 1921, the Mao era, and Reform and Opening in the 1980s—the chapter explores how representations of Peking Man have been shaped by scientific, cultural, and political shifts. While the initial developmental phase centred on significant fossil discoveries and international collaboration, bolstering the idea of Asia as a potential birthplace of humanity, the Mao era saw Peking Man integrated into Marxist narratives, emphasising communal labour and making Peking Man a symbol of Chinese unity and antiquity. The third phase marked a re-engagement with the international scientific community, reinforcing China’s place in global paleoanthropological debates and challenging previous interpretations of Peking Man. The chapter then examines Peking Man’s current role in public representations of Palaeolithic archaeology, with a focus on the Zhoukoudian Site Museum. Current trends suggest the onset of a fourth phase, characterised by a gradual diminishment of Peking Man’s status. This argument is supported by a brief analysis of Peking Man’s portrayal in other Chinese exhibitions. Ultimately, this chapter contends that the evolving portrayal of Peking Man reflects broader changes in Chinese society and its relationship with its ancient past, providing insight into the interplay of archaeology, nationalism, and public history.