Archaeologists excavating the Wangzhuang ruins have uncovered a collection of ancient tombs that could rewrite the history of early civilization in China. Among the 45 burial sites found, one tomb labeled M27, from Dawenkou culture, stands out for its size and wealth of artifacts.
Largest burial site of China’s Tomb M27
Tomb M27, measuring approximately 15 feet long and 12 feet wide, is one of the largest burial sites of its era. Its wooden coffin, featuring inner and outer layers, spans 182 square feet. The tomb’s interior contained about 350 artifacts, including nearly 200 jade ornaments, bone tools, animal remains, and 100 pieces of pottery.
Pig jawbones, found in abundance, were particularly significant as they symbolized wealth during that time.
Experts believe the tomb’s size and richness indicate it belonged to a prehistoric king. Zhu Guanghua, the lead archaeologist overseeing the excavation, said the discovery highlights the importance of the site. “The latest discovery indicates that the Wangzhuang ruins are not an ordinary settlement, but rather the capital of a prehistoric kingdom,” Zhu said.
Artifacts reflect cultural connections
Artifacts from the tomb reveal connections across regions. Items from eastern and central China and the Yangtze River basin demonstrate early cultural exchanges.
011大汶口·黑陶杯—Black Stem Cups from the #DawenkouCulture, #NeolithicAge. The cups are wheel-made, each with a thin body, hollow stem, and well-polished surface, products of the pottery-making technology of Dawenkou. They’re are regarded as ritual vessels indicating social rank. pic.twitter.com/OqpAvZNPSr
— Eason Zhang (@EasonZhangEason) December 8, 2024
Li Zinwei, deputy director at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, emphasized the importance of these findings. “This site offers important examples for studying cultural fusion across different prehistoric regions,” Li said.
Understanding the Dawenkou culture
The Dawenkou Culture was a Neolithic society that flourished from approximately 4300 to 2600 B.C. It was primarily situated in China’s Shandong province, with its influence extending into Anhui, Henan, and Jiangsu provinces.
Renowned for its advancements in pottery, the culture produced delicate wheel-made ceramics in various colors, alongside ornaments crafted from stone, jade, and bone. High-status burials from this period often featured elaborate grave goods, including animal remains such as pig jawbones, which signified wealth and social status.
Chinese Neolithic Dawenkou culture stone adze #protominimalism pic.twitter.com/4PTIocAzXv
— Stone Age Herbalist (@Paracelsus1092) May 21, 2024
The Dawenkou Culture precedes the Longshan Culture and plays a significant role in the development of early Chinese civilization.
Local traditions and ritual practices
While many artifacts reflect far-reaching connections, others point to local traditions. Ritual items such as water deer teeth and small-mouthed jars suggest unique burial practices. Experts have also noted the Dawenkou Culture’s advancements in pottery, which influenced the ritual practices of later Chinese dynasties.
The tomb also shows signs of deliberate damage. Researchers believe rival groups vandalized the tomb shortly after its construction. Most remains of the tomb’s owner were removed, leaving only toe bones, and ceremonial items inside were intentionally broken as an act of defiance.
Social hierarchy revealed in other tombs
Beyond Tomb M27 from the Dawenkou culture, the site includes 45 other burial sites, each offering a glimpse into the social structure of the time. Exquisite pottery, stone tools, and jade artifacts were found in many of the tombs.
Archaeologist Liu Haiwang highlighted the significance of these findings. “The richness of the burial objects is closely linked to the size of the tombs, indicating a clear social hierarchy and class stratification,” Liu said.
The Wangzhuang ruins offer a rare window into prehistoric life. The discoveries not only reveal the sophistication of the Dawenkou Culture but also highlight its influence on later civilizations. The site’s blend of regional artifacts and local traditions underscores its role as a cultural and political hub in ancient China.