New Taipei City Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology Introduction
The Shihsanheng Museum of Archaeology, located in Bali, is Taiwan's first archaeological museum, built to protect the nationally designated Second-Class Historic Site of the Shihsanheng archaeological site. In 1955, an Air Force plane flew over Bali, and due to a magnetic anomaly detected by the aircraft's compass, the Shihsanheng site was discovered. Subsequently, geologists and archaeologists came to investigate, revealing that this was a prehistoric site, leading to the establishment of the museum. The Shihsanheng culture belongs to the Iron Age in northern Taiwan and is currently recognized as the only prehistoric people in Taiwan confirmed to possess iron-smelting technology. It is not only the only archaeological museum in northern Taiwan but also the first museum in New Taipei City to have received environmental education field certification. The museum is designed with three groups of different architectural styles, creating a complete concept that symbolizes the relationship between mountains and sea, as well as the past and present, using authentic materials such as exposed concrete, sandstone, and weathered metal panels. The museum features permanent exhibitions of important artifacts unearthed from the site, special exhibition halls, and an archaeological learning experience room, providing detailed information about the Shihsanheng culture, the Yuanshan culture, and other historical remnants and backgrounds of Taiwan. Over a thousand years ago, the residents on the left bank of the Tamsui River lived in stilt houses and used human-faced pottery. It is said that the Cannibal tribe would go on foraging trips, which later evolved into using these kinds of ceremonial items as substitutes. Their daily diet comprised fish, shrimp, and shellfish from the sea. Their lifestyle is not one we can easily imagine today, but insights can be gained from the Shihsanheng Museum. The museum enriches visitors with fascinating presentations detailing the Shihsanheng culture discovered at the site, allowing us to understand what life was like for the Shihsanheng people a millennium ago. It also regularly holds special exhibitions, sometimes showcasing the historical trajectory of the Tamsui River's development, and at other times featuring archaeological explorations rich in scientific educational meaning, allowing visitors to gain knowledge while being entertained and inspiring children's interest in history.
