Shang Dynasty’s Cinematic Revival: Museums Witness a Resurgence in Interest

As the shimmering allure of the silver screen casts a spell on audiences worldwide, an unforeseen consequence has emerged. Wu Ershan’s recent fantasy epic, “Creation of The Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom of Storms,” has ignited an impassioned curiosity about the relics of the Shang Dynasty. Evidently, the meticulous recreation of China’s 3,600-year-old history in the movie has spurred a fresh wave of enthusiasm for museums and the treasures they house.

The Shang Dynasty, spanning from c.1600BC-1046BC, encapsulates China’s illustrious bronze ware heritage. Emerging around the central plains and western regions, encircling the Yellow River, this civilization has left behind a rich tapestry of historical treasures that anthropologists and historians continue to uncover.

Today, in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, rests the historic ruins of the Shang Dynasty’s ancient capital. Nestled alongside these remnants is the newly established Shang Dynasty Relics Museum. Ma Yupeng, the Deputy Director of the museum, eloquently expressed, “The journey through our exhibits is akin to a time travel expedition, tracing the evolution of bronze civilization from its infancy to its pinnacle.”

The movie’s immense popularity, not just in China but across continents, has prompted a resurgence in Shang culture appreciation. Data from Mafengwo, a prominent Chinese tourism platform, indicated a staggering 200% week-on-week rise in the popularity of the Shang Dynasty Ruins in Anyang, Henan, during August. The movie’s influence is palpable within the corridors of the Shang Dynasty Relics Museum.

Hao Xiaoyi, a visitor, expressed her wonder upon seeing the bronze axe named ‘yue’, engraved with intricate animal motifs, up close, “The resemblance between the weapon held by Yinshou, a king in the movie, and this artifact is uncanny. Yet, there’s an indescribable sensation when you witness the real deal.”

Such axes were more than tools; they were emblems of regal authority and prestige. They might lack sharp edges, as they were ritualistic, yet their symbolism in combat was paramount. Ma shared, “Zhengzhou marks the spot where the Shang Dynasty’s foundational capital stood. It’s instrumental in unearthing and preserving the roots of early Chinese civilization.”

The Zhengzhou museum is a youthful testament to ancient times. After seven decades of excavations, it showcases over a thousand relics, like bronze and jade ware, illuminated by advanced sound and light technologies. Visitors are welcomed by a relief wall, narrating pre-Shang legends.

Ma lauds the museum’s embrace of technological advancements like 3D scanning and printing. “These innovations offer visitors an experience that’s almost tangible, akin to being at an excavation site,” he said.

A notable exhibit is the gold mask, discovered in 2022. Boasting a gold content of 84.36%, it predates any other known “gold mask” in China. This mask not only offers insight into the gold craftsmanship at sites like Sanxingdui and Jinsha but also symbolizes the fusion of Eastern and Western gold civilizations.

This unexpected yet welcomed revival of interest in China’s ancient past underscores the profound impact cinema can have on cultural appreciation, bringing history to life for new generations.

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