Archaeologists make an incredible discovery in China: they found silk that is over 3,000 years old (photo included).

Recent archaeological studies have revealed groundbreaking evidence of silk usage in sacrificial rituals by a Bronze Age civilization in the Yangtze River basin in China. This discovery, led by the China National Silk Museum and the Sichuan Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, marks the first direct archaeological evidence of the cultural and religious significance of silk at the Sanxingdui site in Sichuan province.

The Sanxingdui site, dated to the late Shang Dynasty (1600-1100 BC), has fascinated researchers with its eight sacrificial pits containing burned artifacts such as jade, bronze, ivory, and gold. This is reported by Archaeologymag.

Among these finds is a unique artifact known as a "lattice vessel," embedded in jade and covered with remnants of fabric. Despite silk's susceptibility to degradation, scientists employed advanced analytical methods to confirm the presence of silk residues, marking a first for this site in history.

The study, published in Scientific Reports, utilized cutting-edge tools for sample analysis, including Immunoaffinity Column (IAC) enrichment, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and proteomics. Researchers extracted traces of bronze and jade artifacts as well as layers of ash from the pits.

Tests revealed fibroin, the protein central to the silk's structure. Morphological observations identified smooth triangular fibers, a characteristic feature of silk. Proteomic analysis also confirmed that the material is mulberry silk (Bombyx mori), indicating an early practice of sericulture that involved cultivating trees to feed silkworms.

The findings suggest that silk was used as a "material medium" in rituals, symbolizing the connection between Heaven and Earth. Dr. Hu Xia from the Sichuan Institute of Cultural Relics stated, "Silk residues on jade and bronze artifacts were likely used in religious ceremonies, reflecting the belief system of the Shu people and their use of silk as a divine connection." This aligns with historical records of silk usage in temple rituals and burial garments.

Radiocarbon dating places the artifacts between 3148 and 2966 years ago, positioning them among the earliest known examples of silk fibers. Early records of sericulture date back over 5000 years in the Yangtze River region, highlighting the long-standing legacy of silk production in this area.

Silk, often associated with the global trade network of the Silk Road, was revered not just for its elegance but also for its supposed supernatural qualities. Researchers noted parallels between the silk-clad artifacts and ancient texts describing silk as a means of spiritual connection.

The authors of the study believe that their findings provide critical insights into the technological innovations and religious practices of the Shu civilization. They conclude, "This marks the first discovery of silk traces at Sanxingdui, opening a window into how ancient people expressed their beliefs and cultural identity." The Sanxingdui site is now a key resource for understanding the profound role of silk in the formation of early civilizations.

Previously, the "Telegraph" reported that scientists studying the Greenland ice sheet accidentally stumbled upon a secret American base.