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An animal-face-shaped bronze extracted from Sanxingdui
CGTN
A animal-face-shaped bronze extracted from Sanxingdui site, Guanghan, Sichuan Province, southwest China. /CMG

A animal-face-shaped bronze extracted from Sanxingdui site, Guanghan, Sichuan Province, southwest China. /CMG

Ancient treasures are still being unearthed from the world-renowned Sanxingdui site in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

An animal-face-like bronze, measuring 25 cm by 12 cm, has been extracted from the No.3 sacrificial pit at the site. Officials said it was typical bronze ware in Sanxingdui culture, with a face that's flat overall and a thin carcass. 

Although the face has features similar to humans, it has horns and exposed fangs at the corner of the mouth. It is obviously different from the common masks and portraits unearthed previously.

The specific purpose of the piece is still unknown. Experts speculate that the mask is related to the sacrificial activities of ancient Shu ancestors as well.

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