New Taipei City Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology Introduction
The Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology, located in Bali, is Taiwan's first archaeological museum. It was built to protect the national secondary historical site known as the Shihsanhang Site. In 1955, an Air Force aircraft flying over Bali encountered a magnetic anomaly with its compass, leading to the discovery of the Shihsanhang Site. Subsequently, geologists and archaeologists came to investigate, discovering that this was a prehistoric site, which led to the establishment of the archaeological museum. The Shihsanhang culture corresponds to the Iron Age in northern Taiwan and is currently the only confirmed prehistoric community in Taiwan known to have possessed iron smelting technology. It is not only the only archaeological museum in northern Taiwan but also the first museum in New Taipei City to receive certification as an environmental education venue. The museum is structured with three sets of different architectural styles, which create a complete concept, symbolizing the imagery of mountains and seas, the past and the present. Using genuine materials such as exposed concrete, sandstone, and weathered metal plates, the museum embodies a cohesive philosophy. It features a permanent exhibition of important artifacts unearthed from the site, a special exhibition hall, and an archaeological learning experience room, providing detailed introductions to the Shihsanhang culture, the Yuan Mountain culture, and other historical sites and backgrounds in Taiwan. Over a thousand years ago, residents on the left bank of the Tamsui River lived in stilt houses and used human-faced pottery jars. It is said that the native people, known as the man-eaters, engaged in hunting activities in the past, which gradually shifted to using such sacrificial items. Their daily diet included fish, shrimp, and shellfish from the sea. Their lifestyle is far removed from our contemporary imaginations, but the Shihsanhang Museum offers glimpses into their past. The museum presents the Shihsanhang culture in a rich and engaging manner, helping us understand the lives of the Shihsanhang people a thousand years ago. It also regularly hosts special exhibitions, sometimes introducing the historical trajectory of the Tamsui River, while other times featuring archaeological explorations rich in scientific education, allowing visitors to enrich their knowledge while being entertained, and inspiring children's interest in history.
