Page plan · 16 pages

Written for: Museum visitors using a gallery kiosk

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   Sanxingdui bronzes: welcome and gallery menu

   • Welcome to the Sanxingdui bronze age finds, a self-guided tour at your own pace.
   • Four galleries cover the pits, bronze figures, sacred trees, and gold and ritual objects.
   • Touch any gallery name on the menu to begin, or follow the suggested order.
   • Sanxingdui is an ancient site in Sichuan Province, China.
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   How to use this touch-screen guide

   • Tap the arrows at the bottom of the screen to move forward or back.
   • Tap the menu button at any time to return to the list of galleries.
   • Tap an object photo to zoom in and see fine detail.
   • Use the language button if you prefer another language.
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   Gallery one: the sacrificial pits

   • Gallery one introduces the sacrificial pits where the treasures were buried.
   • The pits held bronzes, gold, jade and ivory placed deliberately underground.
   • The contents suggest ritual burial rather than a random hoard.
   • Look at the pit layout plan to see where objects were found.
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   When and how the pits were found

   • The first pits were discovered in the 1980s by local people and archaeologists.
   • Later excavations in the 2020s uncovered additional pits at the site.
   • Careful excavation records each object's position before it is lifted.
   • Finds were then conserved and studied by specialists.
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   Gallery two: bronze figures

   • Gallery two shows the bronze figures and masks that made the site famous.
   • The faces are stylised, with striking features unlike other Chinese bronze traditions.
   • Expect large scale, bold shapes and elaborate casting.
   • Next you will see a standing figure and two masks.
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   The standing bronze figure

   • This standing bronze figure shows a human form on a raised base.
   • Look at the long, stylised hands, which are held as if gripping something.
   • The clothing is decorated with detailed patterns.
   • Its pose suggests a ritual or leadership role.
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   The large bronze mask

   • This large bronze mask has a wide, stylised face with prominent features.
   • Notice the broad mouth and sweeping eyebrows.
   • Masks like this were cast in bronze and were not meant for wearing.
   • Zoom in to inspect the casting surface.
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   The mask with protruding eyes

   • This mask has eyes that project far forward from the face.
   • The extended pupils are the most unusual feature of this object.
   • Researchers link such features to ideas about vision or divinity.
   • Compare it with the large mask you just saw.
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   Gallery three: the sacred trees

   • Gallery three presents the sacred trees cast in bronze.
   • These tall objects have branches, and some carry birds and fruit.
   • They are thought to represent ritual or cosmic symbols.
   • Their size shows the skill of the bronze casters.
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    Sacred tree number one

    • Sacred tree number one rises in tiers with spreading branches.
    • Look for the birds and fruit that decorate the branches.
    • The tree was assembled from separately cast sections.
    • Rotate the 3D view to see it from every side.
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    Gallery four: gold and ritual objects

    • Gallery four brings together gold and other ritual objects.
    • Gold was used for items of special status in this culture.
    • Thin gold sheet could be shaped and decorated by hammering.
    • Next you will see a sceptre, a mask fragment and a vessel.
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    The gold sceptre

    • The gold sceptre is a symbol of authority.
    • It is made from gold sheet wrapped around a core.
    • Look closely for engraved designs along its length.
    • Such an object suggests a powerful ritual leader.
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    The gold mask fragment

    • This gold mask fragment is part of a larger face covering.
    • Thin gold leaf was shaped to match facial features.
    • Its fragile condition shows the effect of long burial.
    • Compare it with the bronze masks in gallery two.
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    The turtle-shell grid vessel

    • The turtle-shell grid vessel is a ritual object with a gridded pattern.
    • Its pattern echoes the shell of a turtle.
    • Turtle shells were used in ancient rituals in China.
    • Tap the vessel to see a close view of the grid.
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    Catalogue of every artefact on this tour

    • This catalogue lists every artefact covered on the tour.
    • Tap any object name to jump straight to its page.
    • Objects are grouped by gallery for easy browsing.
    • Use it to revisit favourites before you leave.
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    Before you leave: visitor information

    • Thank you for visiting the Sanxingdui bronze age finds.
    • Check the museum map for the nearest exit and facilities.
    • Ask gallery staff if you have questions about the objects.
    • Please leave the kiosk clean for the next visitor.