3,000-year-old clan cemetery uncovered in central China

PH๏τo provided by the Anyang Insтιтute of cultural relics and archaeology on Jan. 5, 2022, shows a horse buried with the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ at the Shaojiapeng site, which is decorated with shell strings. (Anyang Insтιтute of cultural relics and archaeology/Handout via Xinhua)

A large-scale tomb cluster dating back to the late Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC) was recently discovered in Shaojiapeng Village, Anyang City of central China’s Henan Province, according to the city’s insтιтute of cultural relics and archaeology.

Located 2.4 km away from the palace and ancestral temple of the Yin Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Shaojiapeng site is believed to be a major living area for a clan named “Ce” in the Shang Dynasty.

The Chinese character “Ce” was found on the inscription of bronzeware uncovered in the cemetery relics, which indicates the idenтιтy of the clan.

A total of 18 building foundations, 24 tombs, four-horse and chariot pits, along with relics including exquisite bronzeware, jade and stone objects, bone ware and mussels, were found during the two-year excavation of the site.

Six carriages and several warriors and horses buried with the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ were uncovered in the pits, with luxurious decorations on the relics.

Some warriors were found wearing hats with shell strings and the foreheads of some horses were decorated with gold veneer and bronze backing.

“This is very rare among the ancient discoveries of Anyang, reflecting the extraordinary status and power of the carriage owner,” said Kong Deming, director of the insтιтute.

The researchers are still working on unlocking the remaining mysteries of the site, including the social status of the clan, their division of labour and their relationship with the Shang royal family.

The relics at the site are diverse and relatively well-preserved, making them of great significance to studies on the scope and layout of the Yin Ruins, according to Kong.