The unique discovery was made in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China. It was here the largest stone tomb dating back to the Hongshan culture was discovered (6500-2500 r. p.n.e.).
As the researchers point out, this is the first of cultures of the jade age (Late Neolithic) in ancient China. It included Inner Mongolia, present-day Liaoning, and northeastern China.
The works of art were distinguished by their high craftsmanship. The dragon motif appeared very often here, which later became one of the symbols of the whole of China. This culture is known for creating jade figurines of pigs, dragons (with the features of pigs), as well as dragons arranged in the shape of embryos.
Archaeologists said the tomb they found was the first time a burial and sacrifice site had been identified that combined the southern and northern Chinese architectural styles. They are reflected, among other things, in the layout and sequences of the complex’s construction.
In addition for the first time, more than 100 jade artifacts were discovered at once belonging to the Hongshan culture. They included almost all kinds of distinguished types of works.
And if that wasn’t enough, the specialists they unearthed the largest jade dragonever discovered (in the Hongshan culture). It is almost 16 cm long and 9.5 cm wide. It was located near a square stone altar, which is also the only documented object of its type in the region.
Other artifacts include jadeite ornaments, goblets, bowls, figurines, and jewelry. At the same time, the tomb contained human remains, burial and sacrifice sites, as well as hearths and mysterious cylindrical pits.
The results of the preliminary research were presented at a special press conference. In the stone tomb, research was conducted by specialists from the Institute of Cultural Monuments and Archaeology of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Excavations began in April this year and continued for the next four months.
Source: geekweek.interia.pl
