Recently, archaeologists encountered a unique discovery when they discovered a golden mask about 3,000 years old at an archaeological site in Sichuan province, China. This mask is not only a precious artifact with a long history but also opens a deeper insight into the ancient civilization in this area.
The golden mask is partially missing
The Golden Mask:
The golden mask weighing about 280g, with 84% gold, was found in a huge archive along with more than 500 other items from the newly discovered “sacrificial pit”. This mask is incomplete, but still a great work of art. This discovery attracted the attention of the National Cultural Heritage Administration and provided valuable information about ancient civilization in China.
An item excavated from a sacrificial pit at the Tam Tinh Doi site
Sanxingdui Site:
Where the discovery took place, Sanxingdui Site, located in the provincial capital of Chengdu, covers 4.6 square miles, believed to be the center of the Shu state. Experts believe the artifacts discovered here will provide important information about the history of ancient Shu, a kingdom that ruled in the western Sichuan basin until 316 BC.
The gold ornament is among 500 other items unearthed here
Treasure Discovery:
In addition to the golden mask, bronze items, gold leaf, and artifacts from ivory, jade, and bone were also discovered. Six holes, with the largest measuring 19m², contain a bronze vase with an owl pattern. In total there have been more than 50,000 ancient artifacts from this place, dating back to the 1920s.
Image of an archaeologist working at a sacrificial pit
Independent Civilization:
The Sanxingdui site plays an important role in providing information about ancient civilization in China. In particular, it helps us better understand the unique Shu culture, showing that this kingdom developed independently of neighboring societies in the Yellow River Valley – the cradle of Chinese civilization.
A bronze head and mask were discovered at Sanjingdui in 1986, when the first sacrificial pits were found at the site
Conservation and Development:
Although not yet recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tam Tinh Doi Relic is on the organization’s “tentative list”. This discovery opens up the possibility of adding Shu’s archaeological sites to this list in the future.
The discovery of a 3,000-year-old golden mask in China is not only an important event for archaeological history but also opens a new window to learn about the ancient Shu civilization. Archaeologists are reviving the history and culture of a country that held an important place in the ancient world.