At a December 16 press conference cosponsored by the Shaanxi
Provincial Culture Relics Bureau and the Hancheng City government,
archaeologists announced the successful excavation of numerous and
highly significant cultural relics from several ancient grave sites
in Hancheng City, in northwestern China's Shaanxi Province. The
relics date back approximately 2,800 years, from late western Zhou
Dynasty (c. 1100 BC?- c. 771 BC) to the early Eastern Zhou
Dynasty (770 BC - 256 BC).
At the press conference it was revealed that the tombs yielded
four large-scale graves, with more than a dozen pits with
representations of horses, chariots and many rare ceremonial wares
in bronze, gold and jade. Archeologists theorize that the site is
the grave of a state ruler who may have held some prominence during
the Zhou Dynasty (c. 1100 BC - 221 BC).
In August 2004, a villager reported to Hancheng Municipal
Cultural Relics Bureau that thieves had attempted to rob some of
the ancient tombs at the Liangdai Village 7 km north of Hancheng
City. The Hancheng Cultural Relics and Tourism Bureau and Public
Security Bureau moved to increase security in the area, and better
protect the high-level cultural gravesites that had been kept safe
from pilferage for more than three decades.
Exploration of the site began in April of this year with the
cooperation and coordination of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural
Relics Bureau, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the
Provincial Archaeology Research Institute, Weinan Municipal
Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeology Institute, Hancheng
Municipal Cultural Relics and the Tourism Bureau.
After a six-month excavation, archaeologists determined that the
cluster of tombs span an area of 330,000 square meters -- 600
meters at the east-west perimeter, and 550 meters at the
south-north boundary. Although only 10 percent of the site was
excavated during the six months, discovered there were 103 tombs
and 17 horses and chariots pits. The archeologists considered the
exploration of the four largest graves to be most significant.
Jiao Nanfeng, leader of the archaeological team, revealed that
articles unearthed included more than 600 pieces of bronze ware, as
well as rare gold articles and lacquer ware. The finds are
considered to be highly important for the continued research into
the political and economic systems and funerary customs of the Zhou
Dynasty.
Ornaments of bronze fish, agate beads, pottery beads, stone
pendants and shells were found in the coffins. Also discovered were
four bronze ceremonial fans, a lacquered drum, and a musical
instrument -- the earliest relics retrieved from the site. Many
jade wares found in the graves were carved with the pattern of
dragons.
Jiao said the excavation of this site was the most significant
find in Shaanxi Province, and one of the most important discoveries
in China in 2005.
Liu Yunhui, deputy director of Shaanxi Provincial Culture Relics
Bureau, stated that application will be made for the site to be
designated as the sixth batch of major historical and cultural
sites under state protection. The State Administration of Cultural
Heritage has approved the application and is awaiting the nod of
the State Council.
(China.org.cn by Chen Lin December 26, 2005)
