Qiao Hill is an ancient site and modern shrine in Shanxi Province in the north of China. Here, according to the varying accounts preserved by tradition, the yellow emperor and his wife were either buried or their clothes were left behind when they ascended to heaven. This pair of leaders is credited with, among other things, the creation of the arts, crafts and sciences which make traditional Chinese culture what it is today. Think of metalwork, silk, calligraphy and stupendous wood pavilions. Because of this couples’ status as the land’s first cultured rulers, many subsequent rulers, both actual and wannabe, came to this place to dedicate buildings and gifts to the ancient couple so as to publicly secure their own claims to both power and filial piety. The buildings there today are all restored examples of long-since destroyed structures but, buried about the place, are jumbled treasures preserved by dedicated functionaries, the job of whom was to guard, tend and render functional the grounds and buildings, including what was intentionally buried and hidden. A small portion of these remains await us at the Great Western Turnpike Golf course Pavilion during the week of August 25-29. Find out for yourself, by digging up these things, according to the best-practices doctrine of archaeology, why the world is to this day dazzled and fascinated with the imagination, art and tradition of ancient China. If you do, one day, when you visit that colossal and deeply interesting land yourself, you’ll be prepared to enjoy all the more the staggering wonders still visible there.
General Information
- The usual archaeology camp rules apply: dress appropriately, bring your own bug spray, food, snacks and water, and be prepared to wrap things up no later than 2pm on Friday the 29th after a catered Chinese feast and an exhibition of the children’s stupendous discoveries.
- Camp will run from 9-12 for half day campers (5-7 year olds) and from 9-4 for the full day. Remember that you should come dressed for the weather, with snack, drink and lunch, and possibly bug spray, so we can get about the demanding business of digging quite a challenging site.
- *CAMP ENDS AT 2PM ON FRIDAY - All campers are expected to be picked up AT THE LATEST by 2pm*
- Instructor Geoffrey Purcell
Instructor's Experience
- Geof Purcell is a professional archaeologist who found his true vocation teaching children.
- He has studied since the mid 1970s in California (BA), Arizona (MA) and New York (unfinished PhD) and has traveled the world and excavated across the USA as well as in Egypt, Mexico, Serbia, Greece and Scotland.
- He had been teaching children as part of his business, The Archaeological Perspective, since the early 90s.