A 5,000 year old discovery made in Northern China at an ancient grave site could reveal how Chinese civilizations developed. Archaeologists discovered more than 100 jade artifacts in Chifeng. These included three dragons, the largest of which measured about half a feet long.
The elaborate burial was composed of a round tomb and a sacrifice alter, revealing prehistoric culture of Hongshans who lived in this region around 3000BC.
The relics resembled ancient artifacts found in other provinces, suggesting that the Hongshan culture drew inspiration from three other cultures living at least 100 miles apart.
Archaeologists in China discovered three jade dragons among the 100 relics of an ancient burial site. The relics had been found beneath a round tomb at the Yuanbaoshan grave site.
The team found that the Hongshan culture may have exchanged artistic ideas and concepts with the Yangshao, Liangzhu and Liangzhu civilizations.
Researchers at the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences recovered the jade relics from the Yuanbaoshan grave site, along Ruins, pottery and human remains.
Three dragons are among the relics found beneath the walls. The circular tomb measured 77 feet in circumference. The jade-carved dragons were more chubby than the modern versions.
In China, the jade dragon has long been a sign of good fortune, protection against evil spirits, as well as a way to connect physical and spiritual realms.
The team was surprised to find a six-inch long jade dragon, which was only slightly longer than a similar one found 93 miles from Liaoning.
Also, they are also identified The burial site contains several stone structures, including semi-underground homes and houses, which are likely to be ancient. Tombs of high-ranking individuals The altars were also used for religious ceremonies.
The Hongshan culture historically practiced a variety of religious ceremonies, including burying their dead on ceremonial platforms alongside carved jade and had a unique sacrificial system that involved using dragon artifacts to worship their ancestors.
Jia Xiaobing is a researcher with the Chinese Institute of Archaeology. He confirmed that the tomb layout is similar to the ones found in Niuheliang (a village 85 miles away).
The jade dragon is the largest ever discovered. Researchers hope that the discovery will reveal ancient Chinese civilizations’ communication and artistic styles.
It was identified by the southern circle, northern altar and northern tomb arrangement. The jade objects also revealed a cross over in stylistic similarity used in other cultures. This is the first time that a link has been made.
Dang Yu is a research librarian with the Inner Mongolia Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology. He said that jade relics include ceremonial tools and decorations, axes and helmets.
The headgear was similar to those of the Lingjiatan Culture from 5,300 to 5800 years ago, in the current-day Anhui Province. This further proved that the two cultures had engaged in long-distance trade.
Such consistency over a wide area is proof that the Hongshan ancestors shared a common belief system.
In the north of the country, from Inner Mongolia to Liaoning, Hongshan culture sites that date back to 4700 BC to 2900 BC were found. Researchers are conducting further tests and studying the relics to learn more.
