China’s top archaeological research institute launched a blockchain-based cultural heritage database on Tuesday, claiming it was the country’s first initiative.
The Dunhuang Academy, which oversees the famous Mogao Grottoes and other sites, said in a statement that more than 6,500 high-resolution digital collections of wall paintings, manuscripts and scrolls from six historic caves are available for viewing and download in its digital library. I said it came to be. Thanks to Chinese tech giant Tencent, who provided technical support for the project.
This collection includes images of the Mogao Grottoes and five other nationally protected sites under the administration of the institute (West Thousand Buddha Grottoes, Yulin Grottoes, Maijishan Grottoes, Bingling Temple, and Bei Grottoes).
Located in the northwestern province of Gansu, the Mogao Grottoes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of China’s most prestigious Buddhist cultural relics built along the Silk Road. The Dunhuang Academy, which made headlines in September for its difficulty in recruiting archaeologists, has spent the past two decades working on cultural relics to permanently preserve the contents of caves and electronically restore items lost during wartime. We have promoted the digitization of
Along with the blockchain database, the program operates under a co-creation model for individuals and businesses to download material for their own creation. Recreated content can be uploaded to an open platform to enrich the database, all accessible through a smart ledger system.
According to Tencent, the platform uses blockchain technology to protect the intellectual property of derivative works by keeping a traceable record of ownership, creation, approval, payment, and download. Additionally, all authorized uses of materials can be verified while electronic signature technology ensures the security of the contract process.
“The platform will meet various demands for academic research, cultural exchange and creative innovation,” said Luo Jing, head of the science and education department of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, launching the initiative on Thursday. said at a virtual conference for “The co-creation model promotes the effective and sustainable development of digital cultural resources.”
Editor: Vivek Bhandari.
(Header image: Screenshot is part of Dunhuang Museum’s digital collection. From Weibo)