Deciphering Sanxingdui

　　Chinese civilization is known for its preference for jade while gold is more representative of the West. Most Sanxingdui relics are made of jade rather than gold. The architecture style and material are also more representative of Chinese tradition. There are bronze and pottery utensils and their decorating patterns, which all have counterparts found in the Shang Dynasty (about 1,600-1,100 BC).

　　The conclusion that Sanxingdui belonged to Chinese civilization, however, does not exclude possible influences of foreign cultures. Exotic seashells unearthed here provide such an example. But exactly how these shells had found their way to Sanxingdui is still a subject of speculation.

　　Sanxingdui and Ancient Sichuan Civilization

　　Historians know only little about ancient Sichuan civilization. This scant knowledge comes more from legends than from recorded history. As Sanxingdui's location and time conform to these legends, it tends to support the existence of ancient Sichuan civilization.

　　The richness and artistic skills displayed in the excavated objects at Sanxingdui epitomize the maturity of the ancient culture in Sichuan. From their bronze and gold objects to their graceful and eloquent jade carvings, ancient Sichuan people left behind a wealth of cultural treasures.

　　The excavation of the holy tree, bronze mask, sun wheel and varieties of bird and fish objects shed light on the spiritual life of ancient Sichuan people. They lived life with a strong sense of religion.