Sanxingdui protein evidence points to ritual sacrifice of bovines
A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science found ancient bovine residues on bronze, jade and ivory objects from a Sanxingdui pit, supporting the view that cattle were sacrificed in ceremonies. SCMP reports that researchers used protein analysis to distinguish ancient animal remains from human and modern material; the findings also point to ritual practices shared with other Bronze Age cultures in China.
Bottom line — The protein evidence adds a physical trace of bovine sacrifice to Sanxingdui’s Bronze Age ritual record.
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The SCMP says researchers identified a likely sacrificial pit from the arrangement of valuable artefacts.
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The study’s authors describe the molecular analysis as a way to reconstruct details of ancient ceremonies.
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According to the SCMP, the use of bovines follows a transition from pigs to cattle seen in Shang-era practice.
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Cambridge Core’s account of earlier excavations describes six additional pits, with artefacts including bronze figures, ivory and a gold mask.
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English.cssn.cn reports radiocarbon dating places several Sanxingdui pits between 1201 and 1012 BCE, with a 95.4% probability.
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