The Sanxingdui Museum, a beacon of ancient Chinese history and culture, has recently enriched its collection with the unveiling of four remarkable cultural relics. These new additions, including a bronze basin, a bronze round ornament, a bronze bird, and a bronze kneeling figure holding a zun, offer a deeper insight into the mysterious and ancient Shu civilization.
One of the most striking pieces is the newly introduced bronze bird, affectionately dubbed the “Angel with Broken Wings.” This artifact captivates the imagination with its semblance of poised readiness for flight, despite its visibly damaged wings. This representation resonates deeply, symbolizing resilience and the enduring spirit of the culture it represents.
The bronze basin, unearthed in the No.3 hall of the Sanxingdui Ruins, presents a fascinating blend of ancient craftsmanship and contemporary design. Resembling a modern basin, the creation of this artifact was a labor-intensive process, requiring exceptional skill to fold its rim into a wave-like shape. The specific use of this basin remains a subject of intrigue and further study.
Another intriguing piece is the bronze round ornament, bearing a striking resemblance to an owl gazing skyward. This artifact, featuring a hole on each of its four sides, suggests it may have been used as a decorative piece. The detailed craftsmanship of this ornament speaks volumes about the artistic capabilities of the ancient Shu people.
The collection also includes a significant bronze kneeling figure holding a zun, a type of ancient wine vessel. This artifact bears similarities to a previously displayed bronze figure and adds to the narrative of the culture’s rituals and social customs.
The introduction of these artifacts has garnered widespread acclaim and excitement, particularly among Chinese netizens who have expressed their admiration for the beauty and historical significance of these treasures. Comments on various social media platforms reflect the public’s growing interest in the Sanxingdui Museum as a repository of ancient wonders.
Sanxingdui Museum’s staff, including a member surnamed Ran, emphasizes the museum’s ongoing commitment to refreshing its collection, ensuring that visitors consistently have new and engaging experiences. Experts in the field, such as Zhang Guoyong, deputy researcher at the Xingtai Institute of Cultural Relics Protection and Research Center, stress the importance of these new finds in enhancing cultural activities and keeping the academic community and heritage enthusiasts abreast of the latest discoveries in Sanxingdui.
These newly unveiled relics are not just additions to the museum’s collection; they are invaluable resources for researchers delving into the depths of Sanxingdui and the broader ancient Shu culture. They play a crucial role in enriching public understanding of history and the specific cultural nuances associated with the Sanxingdui Ruins.
The Sanxingdui Museum’s expansion of its artifact collection follows the momentous discovery of six sacrificial pits in 2019, which unearthed over 13,000 artifacts. In October, the museum showcased a stunning bronze bird from the Shang Dynasty, further highlighting the artistic sophistication of the era. The new Sanxingdui Museum, opened in July, houses over 1,500 sets of cultural relics, encompassing a diverse range of materials like pottery, bronze, jade, gold, and ivory. With more than 600 items on display for the first time, including over 300 artifacts unearthed from the No.3 to No.8 sacrificial pits since 2020, the museum continues to be a pivotal site for exploring and understanding ancient Chinese civilization.
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