Over 70,000 relics discovered at archaeological site in Sichuan Province

Photo: Screenshot from website

 
More than 70,000 relics have been found at Jiangkou Chenyin, a unique “beach” archaeological site by the Min River in Meishan, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province. 

A total of 76,000 artifacts were found by archaeologists at the site. Archaeologist Wang Meng told the Global Times that relics had been found at the site by experts and local villagers since the 1950s. 

“It was news back then that some relics were found at the bankside after being washed down by the river,” Wang told the Global Times. 

In 2005, seven Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) silver ingots were found at the site during local urban construction. The site was given the name “Jiangkou Chenyin,” which means “sunken silver in the estuary” in Chinese.   

The artifacts include various treasures including multiple ancient seals that have been incredibly well preserved. 

A gold seal with a tiger figurine was one of the key finds. The seal is vividly carved, showing the tiger in a roaring motion. It is still in good condition, and is believed to have been the seal of a Yongchang Grand Marshal. 

Archaeologist Lu Zhaojun told the Global Times that the identity of the Grand Marshal has not yet been confirmed. “Some people believe it was Zhang Xianzhong,” Lu said, and others think it was “given by Li Zicheng to Zhang Xianzhong.” Zhang and Li were leaders of a “peasants’ rising” at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). 

“They were great co-workers and competitors at the time,” said Lu. 

Another find was a silver seal engraved with the letters “Governor of Yongchang,” along with several other gold seals. 

Zhang traveled to the south during the peasant movement, and is believed to have been ambushed at the Jiangkou Chenyin site, resulting in the sinking of a ship loaded with treasure. Wang told the Global Times that the site is known for gold and silver discoveries.

The site was first excavated in 2017, leading to the discovery of artifacts such as pottery, as well as copper coins, mirrors, jade hairpins and everyday objects like thimbles and spoons. 

“The quantity and quality of the site’s relics are surprising. The discoveries paint a vivid portrait of people’s personal and social lives during the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911),” Lu told the Global Times. 

To house the discoveries, a museum dedicated to the Jiangkou Chenyin site has been built and will start trial operation in October 2024. 

“Museums or research centers are now being used as supporting facilities for historical and archaeological sites. It is a way to boost the local cultural tourism while also enhancing public cultural education,” said Wang.