Tung Wan Au

Unearthed secrets whisper from Tung Wan Au. Right here on this very spot archaeologists uncovered a treasure trove of history. This unassuming saddle of land in Ma Wan holds the key to understanding Hong Kong’s ancient past. Tung Wan Tsai North as it’s also known was the scene of a remarkable discovery. In 1997 a joint team unearthed twenty graves. These weren’t just any graves. They contained the remains of men women and children. These individuals lived during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. That’s roughly between 2000 and 1000 BC. Their resting place yielded an astonishing array of artifacts. Pottery jars axes adzes arrowheads and even jade and shell decorations. Imagine the lives these people lived the tools they used the ceremonies they performed. The skeletal remains are remarkably well-preserved. They provide invaluable insights into the racial history of the region. Physical anthropologists found characteristics of both Asian Mongoloid populations and other tropical races. This discovery reveals much about the connections between early settlers and the indigenous people. One particular grave Burial C7 stood out. It held the skeleton of a woman over forty years old. Along with her were stone slotted rings fishbone ornaments and pottery cauldrons. One cauldron a coarse pottery vessel with a distinctive lozenge pattern was found to the left of her skull. Tung Wan Au isn’t just a geographical feature. It’s a window into the past a testament to the lives of Hong Kong’s earliest inhabitants. It is a site of immense historical significance. Its inclusion in the list of China’s 100 Major Archaeological Discoveries speaks to its global importance. As we stand here at Tung Wan Au let us reflect on the legacy of these ancient people their contributions to Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage. Their stories continue to resonate today reminding us of the enduring power of the past. The discovery at Tung Wan Au is not just about bones and pottery. It’s about connection understanding and appreciating the roots of this vibrant city.