Managing the archaeological Chain in China. Between happy ending and organizational Challenges

Luoyang, China, Ju1y 2002: while making explorative excavation to authorize the construction of a parking lot in the Royal Capital Square, the Archaeological Team of Luoyang Municipality discovered 397 Eastern Zhou tombs and 18 horse-and-chariot burial pits of Eastern Dynasty. “The mysterious find was preserved perfectly, with six horse skeletons still tied to the chariot they were pulling…” (Daily Mail, 17 august 2006). The initial decision to build a parking lot in the area was suddenly stopped and turned in the construction of a new museum, opened in October 2003, to preserve and exhibit the charming archaeological findings. Few countries boast a history which is as long and rich as China’s; at the same time, few countries are undergoing economic transformation processes comparable to that which China is currently experiencing. The last few years have yielded a strong dynamic of archeological discoveries, both for the intrinsic historical wealth of the country, as well as for the sustained rhythm of the construction activity. New managerial problems accompany such a process, calling for a profound understanding to help sustainable development. The paper is based on in depth field research in China by two Italian heritage management researchers. Starting from the “Eastern Zhou Horse and Chariot Pits Museum” event – a happy ending case of heritage preservation in such a complex process of development – it investigates several aspects of the Chinese “archaeological chain”, from discovery to museum running. Both curatorial and administrative elements are involved in the analysis, with the emerging of peculiar Chinese dynamics, as specific features of more general, i.e. worldwide, professional and managerial problems and challenges.