A remarkable cache of jade-incrusted ritual masks has been discovered in the Pearl River Delta, dating back to the late Neolithic Liangzhu culture. The masks, found arranged in a circular formation, are believed to be the primary regalia for the Festival of the Seven Peaks, an ancient celebration honoring the protective spirits of the surrounding mountain ranges.
The intricate carvings on the jade surfaces depict hybrid creatures with the features of both birds and felines, representing the dual nature of sky and earth. This find highlights the sophisticated craftsmanship of ancient southern Chinese civilizations and their deep-rooted traditions of ceremonial performance and landscape veneration.