An Archaeological Perspective on the Decorative Gene Mapping of Traditional Temple Architecture in the Huaihe River Basin

Abstract

Traditional temple architecture stands as a distinctive cultural landscape within Chinese tradition, embodying rich ideological connotations and spiritual culture. This study identifies the genetic characteristics of traditional temple buildings in the Huaihe River Basin from the perspective of a decorative gene map. By categorizing the architectural elements into roof, facade, and detail decoration, three atlas systems—animal pattern map, plant pattern map, and pane pattern map—were constructed, collectively forming the decorative gene map of traditional temple buildings in the Huaihe River Basin. The research graphically represents the genetic traits of traditional temple architectural decoration in this region, reflecting the architectural decoration genes in multiple dimensions. Drawing an analogy from the biological characteristics of genes, a genetic map of traditional temple architectural decoration in the Huaihe River Basin was developed. The findings indicate that the construction of this decorative gene map systematically integrates the decorative features and cultural attributes of traditional temple architecture in the area, thereby facilitating the protection and renewal of temple architecture and contributing to the excavation and reconstruction of rural revitalization cultural heritage.