Archaeologists discovered a silkworm sculpture dating back 6,000 years in north China's Shanxi Province, which is believed to be the oldest silkworm sculpture found in China so far, local authorities said.

The sculpture, which is light brown with carved stripes, was unearthed during archaeological excavations in Xiaxian County. The archaeological research and excavations, which began in June 2019, were conducted by the School of Archaeology of Jilin University and Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology, according to the county's culture and tourism bureau.

Duan Tianjing, a Jilin University professor, said the findings indicate that sericulture existed in Xiaxian County 6,000 years ago, and the exquisite patterns on the granite reflect the importance ancestors attached to silkworms.

As one of the significant birthplaces of ancient Chinese culture, Xiaxian County is presumed to be the place where the legendary figure Leizu, wife of the Yellow Emperor, taught the ancestors to breed silkworms.

Experts believe that the discovery has added new evidence to the legend and provided clues for the study of the origin and spread of silk.

(Cover: A combination of pictures show a silkworm sculpture dating back 6,000 years ago unearthed in north China's Shanxi Province. /Xiaxian County Culture and Tourism Bureau)