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Sanxingdui

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description Sanxingdui Overview

Sanxingdui is a Bronze Age archaeological site in Sichuan, China, first excavated in 1986. It revealed a previously unknown civilization through spectacular bronze masks, heads, and figures dated to approximately 1200–1000 BCE. The artifacts, which include large bronze heads with protruding eyes, gold masks, and tall bronze trees, bear little resemblance to contemporary Shang dynasty bronzes and have reshaped understanding of early Chinese civilization.

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What was discovered at Sanxingdui in 1986?

Two sacrificial pits excavated in 1986 yielded remarkable bronze masks, heads, figures, gold objects, jade, and elephant tusks. The finds revealed a distinctive Bronze Age culture in Sichuan that differed strikingly from contemporary traditions farther north.

Why do the Sanxingdui bronze masks have such unusual eyes?

Several masks have exaggerated projecting eyes and ears that were likely connected to ritual imagery or supernatural power. Archaeologists cannot identify their exact meaning with certainty because no deciphered Sanxingdui texts explain them.

Was Sanxingdui part of the Shang dynasty?

Sanxingdui was contemporary with parts of the Shang period and shared some Bronze Age technologies and materials with other regions. Its distinctive objects are generally associated with the ancient Shu culture rather than treated simply as standard Shang court art.

Where can the Sanxingdui bronzes be seen?

Many major finds are displayed at the Sanxingdui Museum near the archaeological site in Guanghan, Sichuan. The collection includes monumental masks and the famous tall standing bronze figure.

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