A stunning, multi-tiered bronze altar has been unearthed from a sacrificial pit at the Sanxingdui site in China's Sichuan province. The altar features intricate figures of winged creatures, mythical beasts, and humans in ritual poses, showcasing the unique artistic tradition of the Shu Kingdom which existed independently of the Central Plains civilizations.
The discovery of this altar, which stands nearly three feet tall, provides new clues about the religious cosmology of the Sanxingdui people. Scholars are particularly intrigued by the 'sun wheels' integrated into the design, which suggest a highly developed solar cult.