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Sanxingdui has yielded an astonishing array of Bronze Age artifacts, many of which were intentionally smashed or burned before being buried. This enigmatic treatment raises intriguing questions about their purpose and the circumstances surrounding their destruction, as discussed by Tianlong Jiao and Shengyu Wang with Matthew Symonds.

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The Enigmatic Legacy of Sanxingdui

Sanxingdui, once among the greatest Bronze Age metropolises in Southeast Asia, remained lost to history for centuries. Around 1000 BC, the settlement was mysteriously abandoned, and its significance faded into obscurity. However, its name—Sanxingdui, meaning “Three Star Mounds”—offered a lingering hint of its former grandeur, referring to the earthworks still visible at the site.

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The first clues to Sanxingdui’s past emerged in 1927 when jades were discovered during ditch-digging operations. However, it was not until the 1980s that the true extent of its Bronze Age accomplishments came to light. Initial studies revealed that the mounds were the remnants of an immense city wall, measuring up to 40 meters wide at its base.

A groundbreaking discovery followed in 1986, when workers excavating clay for a brickyard uncovered two rectangular pits filled with extraordinary artifacts. Among the treasures were exquisite bronzes, gold ornaments, jades, elephant tusks, and cowrie shells. One of the most striking finds was a bronze statue of a figure with a slender waist, elegant robes, and oversized, grasping hands, standing 2.6 meters tall. These discoveries confirmed the immense wealth, power, and artistic ingenuity of Sanxingdui’s ancient civilization.

Their distinctive style

The artifacts unearthed from the pits were remarkable not only for their sheer quantity and craftsmanship but also for their distinctive style. The bronze masks, heads, statues, and even trees bore no direct parallels in China—or anywhere else in the world—suggesting that Sanxingdui had developed its own unique worldview. Situated in the Sichuan Basin along the Yangtze River and surrounded by towering mountains, the city flourished in a relatively isolated region, yet its artistry and craftsmanship spoke of a highly sophisticated culture.

Given the astonishing finds from the 1986 pits, excitement soared when, in 2019, archaeologists identified six additional pits near the original two. Excavations between 2020 and 2022 unearthed a new trove of Bronze Age wonders, some of which provided fresh insights into earlier discoveries, while others introduced never-before-seen artifacts, such as a fantastical creature that appeared to be part tiger, part dragon. These recent findings have deepened the mystery of Sanxingdui, offering new perspectives on its rituals, craftsmanship, and artistic expressions.

Unlocking Sanxingdui’s Secrets

The Hong Kong Palace Museum’s exhibition, Gazing at Sanxingdui: New Archaeological Discoveries in Sichuan, offers a unique opportunity to explore these latest revelations. Featuring 55 recently unearthed artifacts, the exhibition situates Sanxingdui within the broader context of Sichuan’s ancient civilizations.

Dr. Tianlong Jiao, Head Curator of the Hong Kong Palace Museum and co-curator of the exhibition, recalls how the project took shape:

“It took us over two years to plan this special exhibition. It all began with the discoveries in 2019. By 2021, excavations had reached the objects within the pits, but due to COVID restrictions, we couldn’t visit the site. Fortunately, media groups provided live broadcasts, allowing us to witness the extraordinary artifacts as they emerged. That’s when discussions with scholars in Sichuan began, leading to the exhibition’s creation.”

One of the greatest challenges in understanding Sanxingdui stems from what has not been found: writing. While the Shang civilization to the north left behind written records on oracle bones, no such scripts have been discovered at Sanxingdui. Dr. Jiao remains hopeful:

“Perhaps archaeologists will eventually uncover writing at Sanxingdui. If they do, and we can decipher it, it would be a game-changer. However, even with Shang scripts, many characters remain undeciphered. Still, archaeologists use other methods to reconstruct the lives and rituals of Sanxingdui’s people. Recent efforts have focused on dating the site, analyzing pottery sequences, and examining trade networks connecting Sanxingdui to other parts of China and beyond. Even without written records, it is clear that ritual played a crucial role in the culture, as evidenced by the sacrificial pits.”

A Glimpse into an Ancient City

Since the mid-1980s, archaeological research has significantly expanded knowledge of Sanxingdui’s urban structure. Although modern villages limit excavation areas, experts have successfully mapped its core layout. Exhibition co-curator Dr. Shengyu Wang explains:

“The urban center covered approximately 3.6 square kilometers. The Mamu River flowed through the city, while another river bordered its northern edge. We have now established the course of the city walls along its western, eastern, and southern sides. A palatial district was located just north of the Mamu River, while the sacrificial area—where all eight pits were found—lay to the south. To the north, we’ve identified an area of workshops, while scattered residential zones for non-elite inhabitants have also been uncovered.”

Despite ongoing mysteries surrounding its abandonment, Sanxingdui continues to offer invaluable insights into Bronze Age China. The city’s monumental bronzes, elaborate sacrificial pits, and sophisticated urban planning all attest to a powerful and distinct civilization—one that, despite its disappearance, has left behind an unparalleled archaeological legacy.