The Discovery
Researchers analyzing ritual items from the Sanxingdui archaeological site in Sichuan Province, China, have detected silk traces on gold foil, jade, ivory, and famous bronze masks. Published in the journal Antiquity on October 26, 2026, the study examined silk residues from 101 artifacts recovered from sacrificial pits. Dating to the Late Shang period (approximately 1300–1046 BCE), these finds show that textiles played a crucial role in the rituals of the ancient Shu civilization.
What Scientists Found
A large bronze mask from Sacrificial Pit K3 revealed three distinct silk remnants near its right eyebrow and eye. The fragments possessed different weave textures, ranging from loose gauze to tightly woven threads, indicating that fabrics were used to adorn or cover the artifact. Laboratory analysis of the overall collection revealed several key details:
- Traces of silk were identified on 94 bronze items across 28 categories, as well as on jade, gold, and ivory fragments.
- Fabric samples retained colorants, including an iron-rich mineral pigment called red ochre, a deep-red organic dye, and calcite.
- Weaving techniques ranged from basic plain weaves to intricate interlacing, showing sophisticated textile skills.
- Multiple fabric layers were identified, including up to five layers on a single bronze ornament, mostly positioned beneath objects or on their undersides in pits K3 and K7.
Why It Matters
The presence of fabric shows that ritual objects of the ancient Shu civilization were significantly more decorated and elaborate than their current metal forms suggest. The sophisticated weaves demonstrate that communities in the Sichuan Basin had access to advanced textile technologies during the Late Bronze Age. Whether all the silk was produced locally is not specified in the source; please check the official notice. The intentional arrangement of silk layers implies it was used to wrap, protect, or serve as dedicated ceremonial offerings.
Source: ancient civilization archaeology discovery - BingNews · Published October 27, 2026 · Photo by Cindy C on Unsplash
