Past still present in 200 areas
More than 200 sites have been discovered in Hong Kong over the past 76 years, according to a leading archaeologist.
Stephen Ng Wai-hung, honorary editor of the Hong Kong Archaeological Society magazine, said they were mainly along the Zhujiang delta and on outlying islands in the western part of the territory, including Sha Lo Wan on Lantau Island, Sham Wan on Lamma Island, and Fu Tei Wan at Chek Lap Kok.
'The findings suggest that the western part of the territory was better developed than the eastern part in early days,' Mr Ng said, adding that early inhabitants mainly relied on the sea for a living. However, he said human settlements could also be found in inland areas.
A variety of artefacts, including stone rings, axes, pottery, and bronze ornaments, have been found over the years.
They all date from the middle (4000-2500 BC) and late (2500-1500) Neolithic periods, the Bronze Age (1500-221 BC) and from 206 BC to 1912.
Archaeological studies began in Hong Kong in the 1920s but it was only in the 1950s that more organised archaeological work took place.
The Government took a more active role in the 1970s by banning unlicensed excavations and setting up the Antiquities and Monuments Office in 1976 to take responsibility for conservation and the preservation of the relics.
Numerous rescue excavations were carried out as Hong Kong developed, including Lung Kwu Tan in 1989-90, Penny's Bay in 1990, Yuen Long in 1992-93 and the Kowloon Walled City in 1993-94.
Mr Ng said the Government became more involved in the 1980s and 1990s as the economy expanded.
At least $10 million a year, including funding from the Government and private sector, is spent on the work, although there are only about 20 full-time archaeologists.
