Archaeologists working in sacrificial pit number 8 have unearthed a colossal bronze beast, dwarfing all previously found animal statues at the site.
Standing tall at roughly one meter (3.3 feet) and weighing a hefty 150 kilograms (330 lbs), this awe-inspiring creature stands in stark contrast to the smaller bronze animals, typically ranging from 20 to 30 centimeters, found at Sanxingdui since excavations began in the 1980s.
The sheer size of this beast presented a logistical challenge. While unearthed in July of last year, its complete excavation required the removal of numerous bronze objects meticulously piled on top. Now fully revealed, the beast boasts an impressive array of features: a wide-open mouth, tall upright ears, a rounded body balanced on short legs, and a thick tail that curls upwards from its high rump. Each of its four hooves is intricately embellished, adding to the majestic aura of the creature.
Perhaps the most intriguing detail adorns its broad chest – an engraving of a sacred tree. Similar bronze representations of trees have been found within the sacrificial pits, hinting at the deep reverence the Sanxingdui people held for this symbol of life. “This engraving,” explains archaeologist Zhao Hao of Peking University, “can be interpreted as a representation of the Sanxingdui people’s worship of the sacred tree, or perhaps even their perception of it as a divine presence.”
The team suspects further secrets may lie hidden beneath the unearthed beast. Speculation centers on the possibility of a larger object once attached to its back, awaiting discovery.
This monumental find transcends its sheer size. It represents the most comprehensive zoomorphic bronze ever unearthed at Sanxingdui, with only a broken ear and arm marring its near-perfect condition. Notably, the practice of ritualistic destruction was observed at the site – thousands of objects crafted from bronze, gold, jade, and ivory were deliberately broken and burned before being interred in the pits over 3,100 years ago. This destruction explains why less than 2,500 of the estimated 13,000 objects unearthed since 2020 were found intact.
The excavation of pit number 8 nears its completion, expected to be finalized within the next month. However, the unearthing of this colossal bronze beast promises to spark a new chapter of research and ignite our understanding of the Sanxingdui civilization and its beliefs.