International Museum Day: Exploration of museums about ancient Shu (Sichuan) -- unsolved mysteries of thousand-year-old cultural relics
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China.org.cn, May 18, 2020
The ancient Shu civilization originating in Sichuan and surrounding area from ancient times to early spring and autumn period is the ancient civilization different from Central Plains civilization but related to it.
Before the excavation of the Sanxingdui and Jinsha sites, there was no certain written materials recording the ancient Shu civilization, which covered one layer of mysterious veil on this civilization. With the excavation of many cultural relics, the ancient Shu civilization has become even more mysterious.
Sanxingdui Museum
Address: Guanghan, Sichuan
Name: Bronze Sacred Tree
Grade: National grade one cultural relics. It was excavated in the No. 2 sacrificial pit at Sanxingdui ruins and included in the "The First Catalogue of the Cultural Relics Prohibited Overseas Exhibitions" by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage in January 2002.
Appearance and characteristics: Bronze Sacred Tree is 396 cm high, the total height is about 5 meters plus the missing parts at the top. There are nine birds standing on this bronze tree considered as the Sun Bird.
Unsolved mysteries: How was such a tall bronze made? More than 3000 years ago, how did the ancients ensure its coordination and stability?
Bronze Standing Portrait
Grade: National grade one cultural relics. It was excavated in the No. 1 sacrificial pit at Sanxingdui ruins.
Appearance and characteristics: Bronze Standing portrait which is 260.8 centimeters high is the largest bronze statue in the world at the same time.
The statue is divided into a portrait and a base. The portrait wearing a crown folds the arms across the chest with the hovering hands. The statue seems dignified and solemn to show that a big man with extraordinary talents is casting.
Unsolved mysteries: What is in his hand? Could it be Ivory, Jade Cong, Magic weapon or Scepter? Is it just a specific ceremonial posture?
Bronze with Shape of the Sun
Grade: National grade one cultural relics. It was excavated in the No. 2 sacrificial pit at Sanxingdui ruins.
Appearance and characteristics: The bronze excavated in Sanxingdui site is round, with the raised central part. There are 5 bronze bars connecting to the outer circle which means the light of the sun around the central part.
Unsolved mysteries: The 5 bronze bars have divided the central disc into five equal parts. At that time, how did the ancients calculate the angle? Does it mean that at the time, mathematics and geometry were already well developed?
Bronze Mask
Grade: National grade one cultural relics. It was excavated in the No. 2 sacrificial pit at Sanxingdui ruins.
Appearance and characteristics: The mask is unique: the eyebrows remain raised, the eyes are long with convex parts, the ears are extending to the sides and the nose is short. A mysterious smile is on the lips. There is a hole in the middle of the forehead.
Unsolved mysteries: What is the square hole on the forehead used for? There are any ornaments that have been lost?
Gold Scepter
Grade: National grade one cultural relics. It was excavated in the No. 1 sacrificial pit at Sanxingdui ruins.
Appearance and characteristics: The golden scepter which is 1.42 meters in length, 2.3 cm in diameter has a net weight of about 500 grams. It is the largest gold article excavated in China during the same period. There are three sets of patterns on the golden scepter: there is a head with a smile wearing a crown and triangular earrings. The other two groups formed by the same pattern, which is a bird and a fish. There is an arrow-like ornament on the neck of the bird and the head of the fish.
Unsolved mysteries: What do the patterns of fish, bird and arrow-like ornament represent? Does it represent the fishing and hunting? Is it the totem of King Yufu?
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)