Heaven,Earth,Human,and Deities in Sanxingdui Ruins——An Inference Based on the Restoration of the Interior Scene of the Temple of Sanxingdui
The Sanxingdui pits of artefacts are remnants which were buried in a one-time planned manner due to some sudden events.By examining the burial patterns and the relationships among the artefacts in these pits,we can roughly reconstruct the interior scene of the original Sanxingdui temple.At the entrance of the temple,there were ivory-inlaid columns flanking the path,symbolizing the protection to the temple's sacred space.Inside the gate,the central courtyard or the temple hall should be adorned with hundreds of bronze-headed wooden figures.Either standing or kneeling in worship,these human-like figures faced the temple's central deities.At the forefront,a large bronze statue stood on a pedestal,representing the central figure in Sanxingdui's national religious activities.In front of the central deities,four complex combination bronze vessels symbolized mountain worship scenes.In the depth of the temple,revered deities were enshrined on the alter:a central figure with two flanking subordinate figures—all made of bronze and featuring protruding eyes,pointed ears,and bird-like bodies.Both sides of the central deities stood a massive bronze tree,symbolizing the dwelling place of the sun.In the consciousness of the Sanxingdui people,due to the vast distance between heaven and earth,a direct interaction between earthly beings and deities was impossible.Only through specialized priests,rivers,mountains and the assistance of powerful mythical creatures,as well as mediums like jade objects,wine and incenses,could offerings and wishes be conveyed to the divine realm.The Sanxingdui pits and their buried artefacts could be seen as a microcosm of the complex relationship between human and deities in the late stage of Sanxingdui culture.
Sanxingduibronze waretemplesacrificeJueditiantongivoryJinsha Site
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