The Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute announced on Friday that Sanxingdui's iconic kneeling bronze figure recreates an actual ancient sacrificial ceremony.
The breakthrough came from advanced analysis of the metals' composition and their cultural origins. The kneeling figure and the zun vessel it carries were made by different craftsmen at different times and places before being assembled at Sanxingdui.
This finding challenges the long-held view that the artifacts were purely abstract mythical symbols. The recurring motif of figures bearing beasts or vessels on other Sanxingdui bronzes recreates real scenes from ancient Shu sacrificial rites.
The research indicates some Sanxingdui bronzes may have been cast elsewhere and reflects a blending of Central Plains and local Shu cultural elements.