Chao Chin-yung 趙金勇
Recent Developments in the Archaeology of the Early Modern Period in Taiwan and Why It Matters
The early modern period of Taiwan is usually considered to last from the late 19th century to the end of World War II. The definition is partially adopted from Japanese "Early Modern Archaeology" (kingendai koko 近現代考古), while also drawn from considerations about the profound and rapid social, political, and economic changes of the time as the Taiwanese society became industrialized and later colonized by Japan. The social history of this critical time period, embodying the very border of the collective memory of present society, has been approached from diverse disciplines. However, archaeological involvements were largely lacking until the past two decades. This is interesting, albeit confusing, considering our discipline as being privileged to unveil the unwritten parts of the past. This paper will present recent developments in this field and focus on three major themes: industrial archaeology, state apparatus, and ceramic consumption patterns.