ENG-1997 — Page 442

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

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In June and July, the AMO conducted a rescue excavation at Siu Lam, Tuen Mun, which was necessitated by the Castle Peak Road Extension Project. A systematic field assessment was followed by the excavation of two large areas. A complete Tang dynasty kiln structure together with several pieces of green glazed ceramic sherds were found in one area, while stone features believed to relate to pottery clay preparation were uncovered in another area. Specialists now debate over whether the kiln was meant for ceramic or lime production.

From late June to mid-November, the AMO conducted a large-scale rescue excavation at the northern sandbar of Tung Wan Tsai on Ma Wan, site of a large- scale residential development by the Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. With a generous donation from the developer, the AMO invited a team of professional archaeologists from the renowned Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, in Beijing to participate in this rescue operation as a joint field study programme. A total of 20 late Neolithic burials, with skeleton and burial objects such as pottery, stone rings, bone and shell decorations, were discovered, proving that Tung Wan Tsai is a unique burial ground for Neolithic people of 4 000 years ago. This important discovery is a breakthrough in local archaeology and will shed light on the livelihood of Hong Kong's early settlers.

Local, Chinese and overseas archaeologists and institutions were commissioned to undertake surveys of assigned areas throughout Hong Kong with a view to compiling and updating a comprehensive, computerised inventory on archaeological sites. The survey was expected to be completed in 1998.

After relocation of the professional staff of the AMO to the head office of the Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Bureau in Wan Chai in February, the historical building of the former Kowloon British School at 136 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, was converted into a temporary Heritage Resource Centre. The building will undergo major upgrading in 1998 to improve services to the public.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance and the establishment of the Antiquities Advisory Board, the AMO organised the Year of Heritage project jointly with the Board and the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust. The latter sponsored most of the funding.

Events including exhibitions, lectures, heritage tours and archaeological workshops were organised throughout the year to promote public awareness of the importance of heritage conservation. Highlights included a grand opening ceremony in Chater Garden on February 21; a Heritage Day at Lung Yeuk Tau, Fanling, at which members of the public were able to enjoy the unique past of a historic rural area through tours of historic villages, a Cantonese opera performance, lion dance and a basin meal on March 9; and four heritage concerts held at the former Kowloon British School, the former Yamen Buildings in the Kowloon Walled City Park and the Tung Chung Fort respectively. An international conference on heritage and education was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from December 17 to 18. Professionals and scholars from different countries addressed the educational aspect of heritage conservation. To mark the closing of the Year of Heritage, a closing ceremony and dinner took place at Government House on December 19.

Three exhibitions were staged at the Heritage Resource Centre throughout the Year of Heritage. The exhibition Hong Kong's Declared Monuments included 64 declared