Shanghai Museum

Since its excavation in 1986, the Sanxingdui archaeological site has been a subject of ongoing debate and fascination, particularly regarding the nature of its pits—whether they served as sacrificial pits or for ceremonial objects. Recent excavations in 2021 further deepen our understanding, yet the full story of Sanxingdui's flourishing era remains shrouded in mystery. Despite these enigmas, interest in the Sanxingdui excavations has not waned. At the Shanghai Museum, the "Star over China: Sanxingdui and Jinsha Ancient Shu Civilization (星耀中国:三星堆·金沙古蜀文明展)" held since February 2, 2023, has allowed visitors to explore a wide array of artifacts, including those from the newly discovered pits. The exhibition, curated by Hu Jialin, a research curator at the Shanghai Museum, features 363 artifacts, with 59 from Pits 1 and 2 and 151 from the newly excavated Pits 4 to 9. The "Exploring Ancient Shu Civilization: Sanxingdui and Jinsha" opened at Beijing's Grand Canal Museum on June 27th, the exquisite bronzes unearthed in two excavations spanning nearly forty years continue to captivate enthusiasts eager to delve into the mysterious ancient Shu civilization. The ongoing exhibitions at the Beijing and Shanghai museums have further amplified public interest in the Sanxingdui civilization. The display of these newly excavated…