A groundbreaking excavation in China's Sichuan province has revealed a hidden cache of cinnabar-lacquered masks dating back to the late Shang Dynasty. These masks, featuring elongated eyes and avian motifs, appear to be the precursors to the regional "Spirit-Wind" festivals, which celebrate the arrival of migratory birds and the spring planting season.
The ritual deposit also contained fragments of silk banners and bronze chimes, indicating a sophisticated level of ceremonial choreography. Experts believe these artifacts prove that the spiritual landscape of the Shu people was deeply integrated with seasonal ecological changes long before the establishment of modern cultural festivals in the region.