By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.
I agree
Search Trends
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
During the recent Spring Festival holiday period, the Sanxingdui Museum extended its opening hours and temporarily increased the number of online reservations due to high demand.
Sanxingdui, literally meaning "Three-Star Piles," is a cultural relic from the Kingdom of Shu. The name refers to the three earth mounds at the eponymous site, the discovery of which attracted international attention and rewrote the history of Chinese civilization.
Located in Guanghan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, the excavation of Sanxingdui has lasted for about 100 years since its first discovery in the late 1920s.
Gold mask
A file photo shows a gold mask unearthed from Sanxingdui site. /CFP
A heavy gold mask was previously unearthed from Pit No. 5. At the time of excavation, only about half of it remained, weighing approximately 280 grams, making it the heaviest gold mask unearthed at the Sanxingdui site to date.
It measures approximately 23 centimeters in width and 28 centimeters in height. The mask is a composite of gold and silver, with a gold content of about 85% and a silver content of about 13% to 14%. Its square facial shape, large hollow eyes, triangular nose bridge, and large ears are very similar to the style of previously unearthed gold masks at Sanxingdui.
Bronze standing figure
A photo taken on February 12, 2024 shows people taking pictures of a bronze standing figure on display at the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan, Sichuan Province. /CFP
Among the numerous bronze statues at Sanxingdui, the most prominent is undoubtedly the large standing figure, which can be considered the "leader" figure in terms of attire, appearance, and size.
The figure wears a tall crown, and the clothing is adorned with elaborate patterns, primarily featuring dragons, complemented by bird and insect patterns, with a square-patterned belt around the waist. The overall image is solemn and dignified, seemingly depicting a significant figure with extraordinary power and authority conducting rituals.
Bronze sacred tree
A photo taken on February 12, 2024 shows people taking pictures of the bronze sacred tree on display at the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan, Sichuan Province. /CFP
The large bronze sacred tree consists of three parts: the base, the tree, and the dragon, with a total height of 3.96 meters, with slight damage to the top of the trunk and the rear section of the dragon. Among all the bronze artifacts discovered in China so far, this sacred tree is considered the largest in terms of size.
There are different interpretations regarding the symbolism of this bronze tree, but it is generally agreed upon that it represents a "sacred tree."