Recent archaeological research has unveiled groundbreaking evidence of silk use in sacrificial rituals by the Bronze Age civilization in China’s Yangtze River Basin. The discovery, led by the China National Silk Museum and the Sichuan Research Insтιтute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, provides the first direct archaeological proof of silk’s cultural and religious significance at the Sanxingdui site in Sichuan Province.

Mineralized fabric sample (a) and ash layer sample from No. 4 sacrificial pit (b) unearthed at Sanxingdui Site. Credit: Zheng, H., Yang, R., Guo, J. et al. Scientific Reports (2024), CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The Sanxingdui site, dated to the late Shang Dynasty (1600–1100 BCE), has fascinated researchers with its eight sacrificial pits containing burned artifacts like jade, bronze, ivory, and gold. Among these finds, a unique “grid-like ware” artifact embedded with jade was coated in fabric remnants. Despite silk’s vulnerability to degradation, scientists applied advanced analytical techniques to confirm the presence of silk residues, marking a historic first for the site.

]The study, published in Scientific Reports, utilized cutting-edge tools including immunoaffinity column (IAC) enrichment, enzyme-linked immunosorbent ᴀssay (ELISA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and proteomics to analyze the samples. Researchers extracted traces from bronze and jade artifacts as well as ash layers within the pits.

The tests identified silk fibroin, the protein central to silk’s structure. Morphological observations revealed smooth, triangular fibers, a signature trait of silk. Proteomic analysis further confirmed the material as mulberry silk (Bombyx mori), representing early sericulture practices that involved cultivating mulberry trees to feed silkworms.

Schematic diagram of fabric residue and weave structure.Credit: Zheng, H., Yang, R., Guo, J. et al. Scientific Reports (2024), CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Findings suggest that silk was used as a “material carrier” in rituals, symbolizing communication between Heaven and Earth. Dr. Hu Xia of the Sichuan Research Insтιтute stated, “The silk remnants on jade and bronze artifacts were likely employed in religious ceremonies, reflecting the Shu people’s belief system and their use of silk as a divine connector.” This aligns with historical records of silk’s use in temple rituals and burial garments.

Radiocarbon dating places the artifacts between 3,148 and 2,966 years ago, positioning them among the oldest known examples of silk fibers. Early accounts of sericulture trace back over 5,000 years in the Yangtze River region, highlighting the enduring legacy of silk production in this area.

A silk workshop in China. Credit: Quang Nguyen Vinh

Silk, often ᴀssociated with the global Silk Road trade network, was revered not only for its elegance but also for its perceived supernatural qualities. Researchers noted parallels between the silk-clad artifacts and ancient texts describing silk as a medium for spiritual connection.

The study’s authors believe their findings provide critical insights into the Shu civilization’s technological innovations and religious practices. They conclude, “This marks the first discovery of silk traces at Sanxingdui, offering a window into how ancient people expressed their faith and cultural idenтιтy.” The Sanxingdui site is now a pivotal reference for understanding silk’s profound role in shaping early civilizations.

More information: Zheng, H., Yang, R., Guo, J. et al. (2024). Evidence of the use of silk by bronze age civilization for sacrificial purposes in the Yangtze River basin of China. Sci Rep 14, 29175. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-78687-7