Sichuan’s Sanxingdui: A Realist Interpretation of MythicalLegends
Chengdu, China – Renxiang Wang, a renownedresearcher from the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, recently delivered a captivating lecture titled The Belief World of the Sanxingdui People atSichuan Normal University. The lecture, part of the Celebrity Lecture Hall series, delved into the fascinating world of ancient Shu civilization and its unique interpretation ofmythology.
Professor Wang, a prominent figure in the field of archaeology, emphasized the intricate relationship between the tangible and the intangible in the Sanxingdui culture. He stated, It’s easy to create a god, but it’sdifficult to create a world of gods. The ancient Shu people, known for their mastery of bronze casting, not only created deities but also constructed a tangible realm for them. This realm transcended mere oral traditions, manifesting in a wealth of artistic creationsthat allowed the people to see and touch their gods.
The people of ancient Shu lived within a world they themselves had created, feeling a profound connection with their deities, sharing in their joys and sorrows, Professor Wang explained. This divine realm was populated by a pantheon of revered figures, including the sun god and the sun birdin the heavens, the earth deities on the ground, and the celestial ladder-like sacred trees connecting the two.
Professor Wang further elaborated on the significance of the sacred trees, stating, What we refer to as the sacred tree should primarily be understood as the sun tree. However, it also encompasses the ancestralspirits, as all kings were considered incarnations of divine beings. Their arrival and departure were imbued with a mythical aura.
During the Q&A session, students from the History Department of Sichuan Normal University, eager to learn more about this fascinating civilization, posed several insightful questions. One student, Wu Chunyan, inquiredabout the distinct characteristics of the Sanxingdui culture and its influence on surrounding civilizations.
Professor Wang responded, We shouldn’t view the Sanxingdui civilization in isolation. While it possesses unique qualities, its roots lie within the broader mythical system of Chinese civilization. However, it transformed myths that were previously confined to oraltraditions into tangible, visible, and touchable entities, effectively converting the abstract into the concrete. He concluded, Sanxingdui ingeniously employed a realist approach to portray the world of mythical legends, making it a truly remarkable artistic achievement.
Another student, Zeng Yufei, sought to understand the Sanxingdui people’sperception of nature and the universe through their belief system. Professor Wang explained, Myths are woven narratives that incorporate elements from reality. For instance, sun worship is essentially a form of heaven and earth worship, and the image of the tusk god embodies this concept, combining natural elements with artistic reinterpretation. He emphasizedthat human understanding of nature is a gradual process, built upon accumulated knowledge over time. Our understanding of the sun has been particularly profound due to its long-standing significance, leading to the use of symbolic representations to express reverence for this celestial body.
Finally, a student named Oushangcuo inquired about thebiggest challenges Professor Wang encountered while researching the belief system of the Sanxingdui people. He acknowledged that many scholars haven’t approached the study of Sanxingdui from a belief perspective. However, in my opinion, belief is of paramount importance, acting as a powerful driving force for societal development, he stated. I have dedicated significant effort to this area of research and believe there is still much more to be explored.
The lecture concluded with a lively discussion among the attendees, who expressed their fascination with the Sanxingdui culture and its enduring legacy. Professor Wang’s insightful presentation provided a deeper understanding of the Sanxingdui people’s belief system and its unique blend of realism and mythology, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese civilization.
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