Sanxingdui

Quick Facts: Who was Sanxingdui?

Subject:

Sanxingdui

Known for:

Major Bronze Age culture from Sichuan, China, known for unique ritualistic artifacts.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Sanxingdui (Chinese: 三星堆; pinyin: Sānxīngduī; lit. 'Three Star Mound') is an archaeological site and a major Bronze Age culture in modern Guanghan, Sichuan, China. Largely discovered in 1986, following a preliminary finding in 1927, archaeologists excavated artifacts that radiocarbon dating placed in the 12th–11th centuries BC. The archaeological site is the type site for the Sanxingdui culture that produced these artifacts, archeologists have identified the locale with the ancient kingdom of Shu, which suggests the presence of a unique civilization in this region before the state of Qin conquered the area in 316 BC. The artifacts are displayed in the Sanxingdui Museum located near the city of Guanghan.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Sanxingdui is on the UNESCO list of tentative World Heritage Sites, along with the Jinsha site and the tombs of boat-shaped coffins. Many Chinese archaeologists have identified the Sanxingdui culture as part of the ancient kingdom of Shu, linking the artifacts found at the site to its early and legendary kings. The kingdom is mentioned in Shiji and Shujing as an ally of the Zhou who defeated the Shang. Accounts of the legendary kings of Shu also may be found in local annals. According to the Chronicles of Huayang that were compiled during the Jin dynasty (266–420), the Shu kingdom was founded by Cancong (蠶叢).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Cancong was described as having protruding eyes, a feature that is found in many of the masks and figures of Sanxingdui. It has therefore been suggested that the large masks with protruding eyes are a representation of Cancong, although there are other interpretations. Other eye-shaped objects were also found that might suggest worship of the eyes. Other rulers mentioned in Chronicles of Huayang include Boguan (柏灌), Yufu (魚鳧), and Duyu (杜宇). Many of the objects are fish- and bird-shaped, and these have been suggested to be totems of Boguan and Yufu (the name Yufu means fish cormorant), and the clan of Yufu has been suggested as the one most likely to be associated with Sanxingdui.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1986: 1986 Milestone — Largely discovered in 1986, following a preliminary finding in 1927, archaeologists excavated artifacts that radiocarbon dating placed in the 12th–11th centuries BC.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sanxingdui

True or False: “The Sanxingdui bronzes were immediately recognized by archaeologists as belonging to a previously unknown artistic tradition in Chinese art.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the style was astonishingly unique, initial finds were sometimes handled by private collectors before formal archaeological recognition.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sanxingdui