Archaeologists have recently made a significant discovery in Inner Mongolia, unearthing over 100 mysterious Stone Age jade artefacts that could offer valuable insights into the origins of Chinese civilisation. The findings, located at the Yuanbaoshan archaeological site in Chifeng city, include three jade dragons dating back over 5,000 years, each varying in colour and size.
One of these jade dragons, the largest ever found in northern China, stands out for its emerald green hue and palm-size dimensions. Referred to as “pig-headed dragons,” these artefacts are closely linked to the ancient Hongshan culture, which thrived in Inner Mongolia, as well as the nearby provinces of Liaoning and Hebei.
Contrary to more contemporary representations of dragons, these ancient jade dragons showcase a unique characteristic that sets them apart. The Hongshan culture, known for its early jade creations used in burial practices, holds a significant place in the history of Chinese civilisation.
Sun Jinsong, the director of the Inner Mongolia Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, highlighted the importance of these discoveries in filling crucial gaps in understanding the ancient civilisation’s use of jade. Human remains and pottery found alongside the artefacts further confirm their association with the Hongshan culture.
With over 1,100 Hongshan culture sites excavated to date, predominantly in southeastern Inner Mongolia and western Liaoning, the recent discovery of a large burial mound in Inner Mongolia adds to the growing body of evidence. These sites have also offered insights into early Chinese practices such as feng shui, which sought to establish connections between humans and the cosmos through astronomy.
The latest excavation revealed a jade headgear resembling an artefact from Anhui province, suggesting possible long-distance exchanges between different populations during that era. Scholars believe that the people of the Hongshan culture migrated south around 4,000 years ago as their region transformed into a desert due to climate changes.
The influence of the Hongshan culture on the development of early Chinese civilisation is a topic of interest among experts, with many acknowledging its significant contribution. By delving into these enigmatic jade artefacts, archaeologists aim to piece together the intricate puzzle of ancient Chinese history.