Recently, a reporter from the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology revealed an exciting discovery at the Wangzhuang site in Yongcheng, Henan. Researchers uncovered a large tomb, estimated to be around 5,000 years old, which contained over 350 artifacts. This burial site is currently considered one of the largest and most artifact-rich tombs from the Dawenkou culture period.
The newly identified tomb, designated M27, is a sizable example of Dawenkou burial practices, covering an area of more than 17 square meters. The scale and specifications of the tomb suggest that its occupant held a prestigious status, possibly as a ruler from an ancient kingdom. M27 measures approximately 4.8 meters in length and 3.68 meters in width and includes a coffin and a burial chamber filled with numerous grave goods, including over 300 pieces of pottery and jade adornments.
As of now, the Wangzhuang site has yielded over 1,000 artifacts for the 2024 excavation season. The diversity of these items indicates a complex cultural landscape, primarily belonging to the Dawenkou culture while also incorporating elements from the central plains Yangshao culture and southern cultures such as Qujialing and Liangzhu.
Excavations at the site are still ongoing, and researchers anticipate further insights into this remarkable historical period.
