A team of researchers at the Sanxingdui archaeological site in Sichuan Province has uncovered a spectacular bronze figure from the newly opened Ritual Pit No. 16. The artifact, dubbed the 'Celestial-Charioteer,' depicts a kneeling figure holding turquoise-inlaid reins connected to a stylized solar disc, representing a previously unknown aspect of Shu religious mythology.
The figure is notable for its intricate headgear and the presence of cinnabar-painted eyes, which suggest its use in high-elite shamanistic ceremonies. This discovery continues to challenge traditional understandings of the Bronze Age in China, pointing to a highly distinct and technologically advanced civilization that thrived independently of the Central Plains cultures.