Chinese archaeologists have made major discoveries at the legendary Sanxingdui Ruins site in southwest China’s Sichuan province that could help shed light on the cultural origins of the Chinese nation.
Among those discovered are six new sacrificial pits and items dating back about 3,000 years, with a golden face mask taking the spotlight.
Weighing about 280 grams (0.6 pounds) and estimated to be made from 84% gold, the ceremonial mask is one of over 500 items unearthed from six newly discovered “sacrificial pits,” according to the country’s National Cultural Heritage Administration.
Archaeologists uncover 3,000-year-old gold mask in southwest China pic.twitter.com/gxWSXjmRCs
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It is evaluated that the whole gold mask could weigh more than 500 grams, said Lei. He believes that if a complete golden mask can be found, it will not only be the largest and heaviest gold mask object of the same period ever found in China, but also the heaviest gold object from the same period.
“Such findings will help us understand why Sichuan became an important source of goods for the Silk Road after the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25),” an expert said.
Who could wear such a mask is still unknown.
