“A hundred Neolithic artifacts. Chinese archaeologists made an outstanding find September 23, 21:30 Share: The discovery took place in Chifen District, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Photo: China Daily) Author: Kira Borysikhina Archaeologists in China have discovered more than 100 jade artifacts and the largest jade dragon related with the Hongshan culture, an ancient civilization of the late Neolithic era. Read also: Perfectly preserved. Guardian 13 statue was found in Angkor Wat temple”, — write on: ua.news
The opening took place in Chifen District, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Photo: China Daily)
Archaeologists in China have discovered more than 100 jade artifacts and the largest jade dragon associated with the Hongshan culture, an ancient civilization of the late Neolithic era.
The discovery took place in Chifen District, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This is a unique find, as archaeologists have discovered the largest burial of this culture, which combines the northern and southern architectural styles of China, which has never been seen before.
The largest Hongshan jade dragon found is 15.8 cm long, 9.5 cm wide and 3 cm thick. It was discovered in the Aohan Ben district, where there was a round tomb in the northern part, and a square altar in the south. This artifact is unique and is the only such object found in this region.
The excavations, conducted by the Institute of Cultural Relics and Archeology of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, began in April 2024 and lasted for almost four months. Archaeologists managed to discover almost all types of jade products characteristic of the Hongshan culture. Among them are jade jewelry resembling crown elements of the Linjiatan culture, filling an important gap in the study of these ancient artifacts.
In addition to jade objects, human remains, hearths and various ceramic products, including bowls and tripod cups, were discovered at the excavation site, which further deepens our understanding of the life and rituals of this culture. These findings were presented at a symposium in the city of Chifeng, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Hongshan culture research.
Hongshan culture (3500−2500 BC e.) is one of the first known cultures that actively used jade to create complex artifacts. It flourished in northeastern China, in the basin of the Liao River. The Hongshan culture is famous for its exquisite jade products and depictions of mythical animals, such as the famous “pig-dragon”. An important part of the religious ideas of this culture was metamorphism – the belief in the ability of forms to change, which was reflected in Hongshan art and rituals.