Below are notable events in archaeology that occurred in 1921.
Explorations
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, China is discovered by Swedish geologist Johan Gunnar Andersson and American palaeontologist Walter W. Granger.
Excavations
Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, China is first excavated by Austrian palaeontologist Otto Zdansky. Excavations at Beit She'an by the University of Pennsylvania begin (continue to 1933). Daya Ram Sahni starts excavations at Harrappa for the Archaeological Survey of India. Georgios Sotiriou starts excavations at the church of Agios Gregorios Theologue in Thebes, Greece.
Finds
Material unearthed by Otto Zdansky's excavations at Peking Man Site in Zhoukoudian, China which will eventually yield two human molars; but these finds will not be announced until 1926. Edward Thurlow Leeds discovers an early settlement site of the Anglo-Saxons at Sutton Courtenay, the first in England to be systematically excavated. Hjortspring boat. Pernik sword is discovered.
Institutions
Origin of Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, Republic of Turkey.
Publications
January - Society of Antiquaries of London begins publication of The Antiquaries Journal.
Births
March 11 - Philip Rahtz, English archaeologist (d. 2011) May 2 - B. B. Lal, Indian archaeologist (d. 2022)
Deaths
November 4 - Oscar Montelius, Swedish archaeologist (b. 1843)