How to treat the value of cultural relics?

The value of cultural relics exists objectively and is inherent in the cultural relics themselves. Generally speaking, cultural relics have historical value, artistic value and scientific value. The function of cultural relics is the concrete embodiment of their value. The positive effects of cultural relics on society mainly include education, reference and providing information for scientific research. The value and function of cultural relics are both related and different. People's understanding of the value of cultural relics is not completed at one time, but deepened with the development of society and the continuous improvement of people's scientific and cultural level. The role of cultural relics depends on the value of cultural relics, so the role of cultural relics will change with the deepening of people's understanding of the value of cultural relics. Sometimes, the value of the same cultural relic will change at different times, places and conditions. This change usually does not change or reduce its inherent value, but adds new value. This will only happen under certain conditions.

Cultural relics are the products of human social activities in a certain historical period, all of which have the characteristics of the times. All the cultural relics have historical value. Different types of cultural relics reflect social productive forces, relations of production, economic base, superstructure, social life and natural environment from different aspects. The process of the emergence, development and change of various cultural relics reflects the changes of society, the progress of science and technology, and the development and change of people's material and spiritual life. Generally speaking, cultural relics are an important basis to help people understand and restore the original appearance of history, especially for ancient human history without written records, which has become the main basis for people to understand and understand human activities and social development at this historical stage.

Historical documents and cultural relics are the research objects of historical science. They can confirm each other, conduct comparative studies and promote the development of historical science. Because the authors and editors of historical documents are often limited by the times, their own understanding and even subjective prejudice, it is impossible to comprehensively and scientifically record all social phenomena and historical facts at that time. Cultural relics are survivors who broke through the time and space restrictions in the long river of history, and they are concrete and true physical witnesses to explain the history at that time. It can confirm the correct records of historical documents, correct mistakes and make up for missing records. Engels pointed out in "On the Ancient History of Germanic Nationalities": "After Tacitus and Ptolemy, the written historical materials about the situation and events in Germania were interrupted. However, we have obtained a series of other more clear historical materials, that is, many ancient cultural relics that can be classified into the era we studied. Ptolemy's proof is interrupted, and then the unearthed cultural relics can be proved. " This fully shows the important role of cultural relics in making up history. However, the historical value of cultural relics is not limited to its role in proving history, official history and supplementing history. More importantly, cultural relics reflect various human activities at that time, not only how human activities were carried out, but also the social relations and social effects produced by these activities.

Every country and nation has its own unique cultural traditions, and these cultural traditions often become the spiritual pillar for people to strive for national independence and liberation. The cultural relics of various countries and nationalities reflect their long-term psychological quality, ideology, living customs and other characteristics. In a sense, cultural relics are symbols of national culture. Therefore, cultural relics can have a strong cohesive force and inspiring effect on a country and its people of all ethnic groups, which is also an important content of cultural relics value.

Understanding the value of cultural relics through scientific research and realizing an important aspect of exerting the role of cultural relics through educational means. Cultural relics are intuitive, vivid and vivid, and their educational function and appeal are irreplaceable by other educational means. When the people of China are faced with rich historical relics that condense the labor and wisdom of their ancestors, and see their amazing creativity under the social conditions at that time, and see their many brilliant achievements in science and technology, culture and art, it will inevitably inspire great patriotic enthusiasm for the rejuvenation of the country. Therefore, cultural relics have become vivid teaching materials for patriotic education of the people. At the same time, the use of cultural relics to carry out extensive cultural exchanges in various forms is also conducive to promoting understanding and friendship between people of all countries.

Among all kinds of cultural relics, there are a large number of cultural relics with artistic value. These cultural relics not only include paintings, sculptures and other plastic arts works after human beings entered civilized society, but also have artistic creation and germination with aesthetic consciousness in early human activities. Paleolithic cave murals and ivory or animal bone carvings found in Europe are called "cave art". In the primitive society of China, when people made tools and utensils with practical functions for their own survival, they also gave birth to art. These tools and utensils have certain artistic value in modeling and decoration. For example, painted pottery patterns include both realistic images and abstract geometric patterns such as water patterns, vortex patterns and triangles. Although there are different views and explanations on the changes of these decorative patterns and the social content and ideology they reflect, they are expressed in the form of art after all. Later, the shapes and patterns of bronzes, as well as ceramics of various eras, decorations of different textures, handicrafts and so on. , all have artistic value. Even buildings used for residence or other purposes, such as palaces and temples, pay attention to practical functions, strive to meet people's requirements for beauty, and form architectural art, which are important materials for the study of art history. At the same time, in real life, they can also be appreciated by people, inspiring people with beauty, enjoying beauty and enriching people's spiritual life. The cultural and artistic creation of any country and nation can be easily and willingly accepted by the people only by inheriting its own cultural and artistic traditions and creating cultural and artistic works with national forms. Among the rich ancient cultural relics in China, there are a large number of exquisite and colorful artistic treasures, which are important materials for people to know and understand the cultural and artistic traditions of the Chinese nation. Because all kinds of traditional art forms, although described in literature, can't have a specific image. Only cultural relics can vividly display various traditional art forms. If there are no paintings, sculptures and ancient buildings left over from various eras, we can't really understand the characteristics of these traditional forms of ancient art in China. Therefore, these cultural relics can provide useful reference for today's artistic creation activities. Giving full play to the role of cultural relics in this respect is one of the necessary conditions for inheriting excellent historical and cultural heritage and creating a new socialist and national culture today. Cultural relics are also a treasure house of ancient scientific and technological heritage. The scientific value of cultural relics mainly refers to the level of science and technology reflected by cultural relics and the value embodied in natural science or engineering technology science. All kinds of cultural relics were created by people using available materials and mastered technologies at that time. From different aspects, they mark the degree of people's understanding and utilization of nature and the development level of science, technology and productivity in the historical period when they came into being. A large number of bronzes in Shang Dynasty and a large number of ironware in Warring States indicate the whole social productivity and scientific and technological level in these two eras respectively. Although the Shang Dynasty iron-edged copper cymbals unearthed in Gaocheng, Hebei Province and Liu Jiahe, Pinggu, Beijing used natural meteorites, they were qualitatively different from copper after all, indicating that people in Shang Dynasty had already begun to know metallic iron as early as BC 14, and they were forged by heating. These cultural relics have both historical and scientific values. There are many important scientific and technological achievements in ancient China, which have been lost for a long time, but they have been rediscovered in today's unearthed cultural relics, such as wooden building components found in Hemudu Neolithic site in Yuyao, Zhejiang Province, which advanced the application of China mortise and tenon technology to 7 thousand years ago; The bronzes unearthed from the Chunqiu Chu Tomb in Xichuan, Henan Province and the tomb of Zeng Houyi in Suixian County, Hubei Province show that the lost wax precision casting technology was successfully applied in China more than two thousand years ago. The writing paper unearthed in Fangmatan, Tianshui, Gansu Province in the early Han Dynasty shows that this known and most ideal writing material invented by China had a certain maturity as early as the early 2nd century BC. Specimens similar to modern ductile iron found in the Han Dynasty smelting site in Xingyang, Henan Province show that the high-strength cast iron process which is different from the modern process and achieves the same effect has been mastered at that time.

A large number of unearthed cultural relics related to science and technology provide rich and important materials for the study of special history in astronomy, geography, metallurgy, agriculture, medicine, textiles and other fields, breaking many traditional views. These newly discovered cultural relics make scholars who study the history of science and technology have to consider rewriting some special history, which shows how important the constantly discovered cultural relics are to promote the research of special history such as science and technology. The scientific value of cultural relics is not only reflected in the level of science and technology reflected by cultural relics themselves. Some cultural relics can not reflect the technology at that time, but reflect the relationship between human activities and the natural environment or ecological environment at that time. Through the investigation of these cultural relics, we can understand the changes of natural environment or ecological environment for thousands of years, and these cultural relics also have high scientific value.

Since the 1960s, China cultural relics archaeologists have used archaeological means to investigate historical earthquakes, paleohydrology and desert changes through some ancient buildings, ancient sites, ancient tombs and other cultural relics, and achieved certain results, opening up a new field for cultural relics research.

The value and function of cultural relics are not only manifested in the study of specific cultural relics and the explanation of individual problems in individual aspects, but more importantly, the results of micro-research are integrated to study all aspects of human social activities in various historical periods and their interrelated and restrictive social relations from a macro perspective, so as to explore and reveal the objective laws of human social development from different aspects. At the same time, through the historical situation of human utilization and transformation of nature reflected by cultural relics, exploring and revealing the evolution law of the relationship and interaction between human social activities and natural ecological environment, and using the objective law that people constantly know, consciously and actively coordinating the relationship between human social system and natural environmental system is conducive to promoting the development of contemporary and future society. Giving full play to the positive role of cultural relics in the process of social development is the ultimate goal of cultural relics protection management and scientific research. From 1795 to191year, National Cultural Heritage Administration postponed the exit restriction of cultural relics by 1 16 years, which is the first time to adjust the relevant regulations since the 1960s. What does this adjustment mean for collectors?

Recently, various newspapers reported a news that National Cultural Heritage Administration has greatly increased the restrictions on cultural relics leaving the country. According to the news, Dan Jixiang, director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said that according to the upcoming new cultural relics exit standards, individuals

The lower limit of the cultural relics exit ban will be moved from the original 1.795 to1.91.654,38+0 years, that is,1.654,38+6 years later. As soon as the news came out, there were many discussions in the art collection circle. Many people think that this is the first major adjustment of cultural relics exit standards since the 1960s. It is said that the new standard is in the approval stage and will be implemented soon. Then, will such an adjustment of cultural relics exit regulations have a significant impact on the art market?

What does National Cultural Heritage Administration want to modify?

Many media have used the word "new standard" when referring to the adjustment of cultural relics exit regulations, saying that the old standard has been implemented for nearly 50 years. However, many people don't understand what the "old standard" that China has implemented for 50 years is. Why does the country adjust this "old standard" that has been implemented for 50 years at this time? Accurately speaking, the so-called "old standard" indicating the age of the lower exit limit is called "Reference Standard for Cultural Relics Exit Appraisal", which was promulgated in July of 1960 and 12, about 47 years ago.

From June 5 to February 2005, the state issued the Notice of the State Council on Strengthening the Protection of Cultural Heritage. According to the circular and related spirit, the top priority of cultural relics work in National Cultural Heritage Administration in 2006 fell on the entry and exit management of cultural relics.

This year, National Cultural Heritage Administration has divided the entry and exit of cultural relics into three tasks, the first of which is to further improve the reference standards for cultural relics exit appraisal, and the other two are to further standardize the management and appraisal institutions, systems and personnel of cultural relics entry and exit institutions. On the basis of the above work, new standards for cultural relics exit audit and management measures for cultural relics exit audit will be issued. After the publication of the new Examination Standard for Cultural Relics Exit, the Reference Standard for Cultural Relics Export Appraisal will be abolished. From the deployment of this work focus, we can see that in 2006, National Cultural Heritage Administration hopes to make a big breakthrough in the management of cultural relics exit appraisal. In the past more than a year, Dan Jixiang, director of National Cultural Heritage Administration, officially revealed the revised information of the new standard to the news media, which means that National Cultural Heritage Administration has finally produced their work results after more than a year of hard work. Judging from the contents disclosed by Dan Jixiang, the most important adjustment in this achievement is the revision of the lower age limit for individuals to take out of the country, that is, from 1795 to 19 1 1 year-a new determination of the value of cultural relics in the middle and late Qing Dynasty.

According to the analysis of relevant experts, the reference standard for cultural relics export appraisal was born in the 1960s. When the standard was drafted, the understanding and value of some cultural relics were the same as today, but some of them have changed because of historical development. At first, it may seem ordinary, but now it is rare. With this change in the situation, it is logical to move back the exit restriction period. Liu, the chairman of Tianjin International Auction Co., Ltd., who has more than 30 years of experience in cultural relics work, told the reporter: "In some foreign countries, such as Europe and the United States, the lower age limit for cultural relics to leave the country is generally 100 year, which naturally keeps pace with the times. National Cultural Heritage Administration's adjustment should be said to be close to international practice. In fact, China has always attached great importance to the protection of historical relics, and the policy adjustment has come down in one continuous line. Like the original regulations, there are no restrictions on some cultural relics after 1795, but with the passage of time, this part of cultural relics has been paid more and more attention and the management has become more and more strict. For example, before 1987, these cultural relics were still operated by foreign trade arts and crafts companies and could be bought and sold abroad. After 1987, the state handed over this part of cultural relics to the Cultural Bureau, which was managed by the cultural relics store. At that time, there were millions of cultural relics handed in by Tianjin, and cultural relics shops are still operating these cultural relics until now. "

Ms Shi Jun, Cultural Relics Department of Tianjin Cultural Bureau, is responsible for the identification of cultural relics leaving the country. In an interview with this reporter, she said: "The purpose of the country's introduction of new exit standards is very clear, that is, to protect cultural relics and avoid loss. Because some cultural relics from 1795 to 19 1 1 can be released, there have been many cultural relics in this period for half a century, and now the museum can't collect cultural relics at this stage. In particular, some cultural relics in Jiaqing and Daoguang periods, their processing and production continued the process and system of Qianlong period, so there are also many masterpieces handed down from generation to generation. " Where does the new standard change?

If only in a general sense, the age adjustment of the lower limit of cultural relics leaving the country is relatively large and the coverage is relatively wide. It seems that the revision of the exit standard will have a great impact on all kinds of cultural relics and artworks at the same time, but it is not entirely true.

According to the usual saying in the industry, China's cultural relics exit restrictions were very strict from the beginning, even nearly 50 years ago.

The original exit criteria have two different restrictions. The first one is called "no export", which means that no matter what age, if its preciousness and special significance reach a certain level, it is not allowed to export; Second, according to the classification of different cultural relics, the threshold is set according to the age. In this way, the age has become an important criterion to measure whether some cultural relics can be exported.

In the original reference standard for cultural relics export appraisal, there were three age thresholds, namely 1949,191and 1795, among which the cultural relics with the threshold of 1795 were only a part, and the original standard was set in age. If we analyze the collection items that collectors are most concerned about, we can see the specific impact of this restriction more clearly. Take porcelain as an example, the original stipulation was that cultural relics before 1795 were not exported, and at the same time, it was stipulated that official kilns and private money products of past dynasties were not exported. The new bidding period moved back, and it was actually the folk kiln in the late Qing Dynasty that was affected. In this regard, Liu believes that since 1795, there have been many fine products in folk kilns in previous dynasties, and there are many good things recognized by the industry, so the impact of the new standard can be described as serious. Peng Qingyun, president of China Cultural Relics Society, said: "The legal concept and legal awareness of cultural relics protection in the whole society are weak and need to be improved urgently. This is the key to the problem. " Speaking of the destruction of cultural relics, Li Xueqin is also very sad. He said: "Public opinion should play a more important role in propaganda and supervision. Through the propaganda of the government and the media, more people will realize the value of cultural relics, know the importance of these cultural relics to the country and the nation, and understand that cultural relics are the same property left by our ancestors to our nation, and once they are destroyed, they can never be restored. If the whole society has a high degree of recognition of the value and protection of cultural relics, then the destruction of cultural relics will not happen easily. " [detailed]

As an official of the national cultural relics administration department, He pointed out: "The cultural relics department should vigorously publicize the cultural relics law and take the initiative to publicize it. Let the society realize that protecting cultural relics is the obligation of every citizen, and destroying cultural relics should bear relevant legal responsibilities. In particular, historical and cultural cities with rich cultural relics have greater responsibilities in this regard. "

100 years ago, the precious cultural relics of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes in Gansu Province were discovered by accident. However, due to the lack of timely protection, boxes of precious Dunhuang documents, such as scrolls, silks, paintings and sculptures, were transported back to China by European and American archaeologists and adventurers. Today, many Dunhuang cultural relics can only be seen in foreign museums.

Hu Shi once said that recognizing an "ancient" word is as important as finding a star. We used to be a nation that worshipped and respected ancient times, but sometimes our indifference to cultural relics was chilling, even destroyed and uprooted, which did not need to be traced back, and also happened in a short history. Regarding the attitude of some China people towards cultural relics, Mr. Lu Xun once said bitterly that those who know what to do are stealing and those who don't know what to do are burning.

Cultural relics have witnessed history and civilization and answered such big questions as "Who are we, where are we from and how do we live". Through historical relics, we can rebuild lost social scenes and social emotions. Therefore, it has become the knowledge that all countries in the world fear, cherish and must protect. Former French Prime Minister Jospin once said during his visit to China that the loss of a national culture means the end of this national civilization. In his eyes and those of most French people, cultural heritage is the life of national civilization. In this sense, "Fujian escorted Oracle Bone Inscriptions and other 54 national treasures with armored vehicles" is not a news that can be easily ignored. It is reported that in September 10, 54 pieces (sets) of national treasures, such as Yulong in Neolithic Age, Oracle Bone Inscriptions in Shangyin Site and Jinyu Clothes in Han Dynasty, were transported from Beijing to Fuzhou, and Fujian provided the highest standard escort for these national treasures with only two armored vehicles in the province. Prior to this, the cultural relics in the Hubei Provincial Museum were relocated, and the relevant parties also made careful and comprehensive plans for the safety of cultural relics and made great efforts. These measures reflect a good trend of our attitude towards cultural relics, and are also a projection of the concept of protecting cultural relics and rejecting vulgar economics in reality.

What attitude we take towards historical relics-whether to treat them as ordinary things or "national treasures", whether to dispose of them as worn-out things or to respect and defend them-is an important criterion to measure a modern citizen. How to protect cultural relics and preserve these fragile historical fragments is the yardstick to measure the modernization of a country and the spiritual height that a nation can reach. If we only pay attention to the present and not to history, and only to economic interests and not to the spiritual level, we will certainly not go very far. In recent years, with the promulgation of various cultural relics protection laws and the development of relevant civic education, the phenomenon of burning and smashing cultural relics that had previously turned a blind eye to the value of cultural relics no longer exists. However, if we extend the concept of cultural relics marked by Oracle Bone Inscriptions, Jin Lv Yu Yi, etc. To buildings and pavilions with historical value, scenic spots and historical relics to be identified, the situation of cultural relics protection in a broad sense is still not optimistic. Those scenic spots and landscapes that have entered or have not entered the World Heritage List are experiencing excessive commercial development; Ancient buildings and celebrity relics in some cities are also facing the risk of omitting the demolition of the previous procedures. Some time ago, a geographical magazine in China also published an article saying that for the sake of tourism and economic development, the sooner we dig Ganling, the better. The whole article does not mention whether our technical protection level is developed enough to ensure that those precious cultural relics that have seen the light of day will not be eroded and destroyed by the wind.

On the issue of cultural relics protection, we believe that history and time, all words and deeds will be tested by history. Those historical lessons and mistakes, when we learn from these mistakes, we should unify our understanding of * * * with respect and awe, and turn it into action efforts to protect cultural relics and treat heritage well. Don't let "the future looks at the present, and the present still looks at the past". To sum up, the protection of cultural relics can not be realized by individual ability, but the overall improvement of social civilization consciousness and the improvement of national quality. We are saddened by the loss of cultural relics overseas, which can be regarded as a lesson from history.