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| Sunday, 11 December 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
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From Abroad Mystery of the Shu dynasty The remnants of the legendary Shu dynasty of China may be the last remains of worshippers of an all-powerful sun god, a Southeast Asian tribe that took a wrong turn, or even, according to some, a civilisation inspired by aliens. The mysteries surrounding China's most famous burial site have yet to be fully solved, but archaeologists shifting through the evidence have already gathered enough to begin rewriting the nation's history books. Unearthed in 2001 by a development company digging in the Chengdu suburbs, Jinsha is not much to look at. A series of holes in the ground surrounded by scrubland, the only indication of its value is the skeleton of a hanger-shaped museum being erected over its top. When finished, it is hoped the onsite museum will rival the famed terracotta warriors that guard the tomb of the first Qin emperor Shi Huangdi. Possibly dating back as far as 3,500 BC, to the late Neolithic age, the site has yielded fascinating finds such as exquisitely designed bronze sacrificial vessels of a calibre far exceeding contemporaries of the same age in the ancient Middle East. There are also pieces of polished jade, fashioned into axe heads, and most curiously, stretched stone faces carved with Spock-like(of the TV series Star Trek) pointy ears and ornate elaborate headdresses. Unlike anything seen before, these faces have come to symbolise the archaeological excavations (digs) in the area, both at Jinsha and in near-by Sanxingdui, 40 Km north of Chengdu in the town of Guanghan. But it is what these sites represent as centres of ancient civilisation that excite historians. Popular history has always believed that Chinese civilisation originated in the Yellow River area with the Xia and Shang dynasties (royal families). It was from these dynasties that the first examples of Chinese script were found, as well as the beginnings of a hereditary (inherited) leadership system distinct from an earlier practice of chieftain elections. The digs in Sichuan confirmed what many archaeologists already suspected - that Chinese civilisation has multiple origins. "Originally we only knew about the ancient Shu culture from tales in the later Qin and Han dynasties," said Jiang Zhanghua, from the Chengdu Institute of Archaeology, referring to a legendary dynasty that is now believed to have had its capital at Sanxingdui. "From the stories, we never knew anything substantial. These stories simply mentioned certain kings and their personal traits. Now we understand their history and know that the stories are true." Roughly corresponding to present-day Sichuan, the Shu dynasty was governed from a capital, both physically impressive and materially wealthy. Encircled by a 12 Km clay wall, indications are that Sanxingdui was a bustling centre of trade. Cowry shells (a type of sea shell) from the south China coastline, elephant tusks from Southeast Asia, and minerals alien to Sichuan, such as copper, tin and lead - used in bronze making-all suggest a sophisticated barter (system of exchanging goods) or possibly even currency system was in operation, while the presence of clay tripods (three-legged stands) used as wine vessels, and decorative clothing carved on the unearthed statues, suggest a predilection (liking) for the good life. What is unclear is how the ancient Shu discovered how to fire clay and mould bronze to such intricate (complicated) levels. Some believe they were in regular trading contact with tribes along the Yellow River, while others assume a central Asian influence. What is accepted is that the area was a centre of culture and civilisation in its own right. South China Morning Post |
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