Jinsha () is a Chinese archaeological site located in Qingyang, Chengdu, the capital of the Chinese province of Sichuan. The site is one of the major archaeological discoveries in China during the 21st century. It is listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Tentative List and Major Sites Protected at the National Level. The Chinese Internet Information Centre ranked Jinsha 5th on the Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries in 2001.

In 2007, the Jinsha Museum was constructed to display the artefacts and features found. This includes the gold sunbird, smiling gold mask and the kneeling stone figures. The gold sunbird artefact is a national symbol of China according to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

Discovery

thumb|Jinsha figurine

The site was accidentally discovered on 8 February 2001. When the China Real Estate Development Group was constructing the Shufeng Huayuancheng () 5 kilometers from the centre of Chengdu, a drain was discovered. The drain contained artefacts made of bronze, jade, stone and ivory. During the Bronze Age, the fluctuating environment and demands for resources caused people to change settlements. Due to its proximity and similarities in features and artefacts, Jinsha is compared to Sanxingdui.

Locus Mei Yuan

Cultural artefacts made of gold, bronze, jade, stone, ivory and bone were discovered at Locus Mei Yuan. Situated on the southern banks of the Modi River, the locality covers 22 hectares. With a concentration of 94.2% gold, the gold leaf was made with natural gold dust. On the perimeters of the leaf, four birds flying towards the left have been carved out. It was believed to represent the legend in the Classic of Mountains and Seas. The design makes it appear to be 'smiling'. It is 3.7 centimetres in height and 4.7 centimetres in width. This design has not been found anywhere else in China. The conservation department of the Jinsha Museum is responsible for security, surveillance and general maintenance – this is an attempt to prevent vandalism and destruction by the public. The Chengdu Museum communicates scientific advancements on conservation that could be beneficial for the site. While the reasons remain unclear, experts have proposed political revolution, catastrophic floods and earthquakes as possibilities.

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See also

  • Shu (kingdom)
  • Baodun culture
  • Clothing in ancient Shu

Notes

References

  • Official site of Jinsha Museum
  • Lost kingdom of Sun found