Scientists discover silk traces on 101 ancient objects in China, uncover clues to ancient rituals

Textile residues adhering to artefacts excavated at Sanxingdui (Photos: Antiquity) Scientists examining 3,000-year-old objects recovered from the Sanxingdui archaeological site in China's Sichuan Province have found traces of silk on 101 artefacts, including bronze masks, gold, jade and ivory objects. According to a study published in the journal Antiquity on Sunday, researchers used microscopic and chemical tests to examine the remains and found evidence that the ancient Shu people may have used silk to wrap or cover valuable objects during religious ceremonies. The tests also revealed traces of red colouring on some of the fabric.One of the objects examined was a large bronze mask with small patches of silk still attached near its right eye and eyebrow. Scientists identified three separate areas where the fabric had survived. Interestingly, the pieces did not all have the same weaving pattern or condition. This led researchers to consider whether different pieces of silk had been placed on the mask for decoration or as part of a ritual.The mask was among several objects recovered from Sanxingdui, a site associated with the ancient Shu culture. The objects belong to the Late Shang...