Chinese researchers have unveiled groundbreaking technological methods to combat high humidity levels that threaten the preservation of ancient cultural relics. After a six-year-long program, these innovations promise to create a more favorable environment within site museums, safeguarding invaluable historical artifacts.
The program was conducted at the Dadiwan Site, a Neolithic settlement dating back approximately 8,000 to 4,800 years ago, located in Qin’an County, northwest China’s Gansu Province. Researchers from the esteemed Dunhuang Academy and the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences collaborated on this monumental project.
The Dadiwan Site stands as one of China’s largest and best-preserved Neolithic settlement sites. Among its treasures is the iconic Dadiwan F901 site, a grand housing structure spanning 420 square meters and boasting over 5,000 years of history. This structure is renowned as the largest and most intricately crafted prehistoric dwelling discovered in China.
Previous renovation efforts at the Dadiwan F901 site involved the installation of a sealed glass curtain wall. While this approach aimed to protect the ruins, it inadvertently led to a continuous rise in relative humidity within the enclosure. The elevated humidity levels fostered the growth of microbial diseases, posing a significant threat to the site’s integrity.
Addressing this challenge, the researchers developed innovative methods to regulate humidity and prevent microbial outbreaks. Their work not only protects the Dadiwan Site but also sets a new standard for the preservation of cultural heritage sites facing similar environmental issues.
These advancements are expected to have wide-reaching impacts on the preservation of cultural relics across the globe, offering effective solutions for site museums grappling with environmental preservation challenges. By harnessing technology to protect the past, Chinese researchers are ensuring that these ancient wonders can be studied and appreciated by future generations.
Reference(s):
Chinese researchers develop tech to protect 5,000-year-old ruin site
cgtn.com
