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Chinese archaeologists unearth biggest bronze beast from Sanxingdui ruins
- The animal figure is the largest uncovered from the mysterious site in decades of digging and has a large mouth, huge ears and hooves
- The ruins are believed to contain the treasures of the Shu kingdom, which dates back 4,500 years
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Chinese archaeologists have unearthed a big bronze beast – one of the most highly anticipated treasures of the Sanxingdui ruins – a year after spotting it in a pit at the mysterious site in Sichuan province.
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The bronze was discovered in July last year, but archaeologists were not able to lift it out of the pit until Wednesday, when other bronze objects piled on top of the statue were removed.
The bronze animal is the biggest ever found in decades of digging at the site. It weighs around 150kg (330lbs) and has a large mouth, small waist, huge ears and four embellished hooves.
According to Zhao Hao, a Peking University archaeologist in charge of the pit that contained the object, all other bronze animals uncovered at the site since digging began in the 1980s measured around 20 to 30cm (7.9 to 11.8 inches).
“But this one is very large in size, with height and width both measuring about one metre (3.3 feet). It’s the only one at the whole site,” Zhao was quoted by state broadcaster CCTV as saying.
04:27
Ancient Sanxingdui culture challenges traditional narrative of Chinese civilisation
Ancient Sanxingdui culture challenges traditional narrative of Chinese civilisation
A human figurine was attached to what looks like a horn on the creature’s head. The figure was dressed in a long gown and appeared to be riding or controlling the animal.
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