“What surprised us even more was the presence of the remains of a man and four women, which once back confirmed the use of the camera for a family burial. The story of this may be more complex than we imagine, but at the moment we are not in a position to do so. to check it completely,” he says.
He adds that the tomb was probably built from the most sensitive part towards the bottom, starting with a huge pit into which the chamber was then gradually built, raising the walls until creating a dome. Once completed, the tomb would have been covered with earth, leaving only the passage. of the tomb opened to admit the bodies.
“The backside extends deep underground, which makes the design safer due to the tension of the upper soil layers. Combined with a physically powerful internal design, this ensures the stability of the camera and its long-term preservation,” he adds.
The silk and steel products discovered recommend a context of colorful industry and healthy economy. Grave goods include glazed ceramic vessels, bronze mirrors, gilded iron forks, and iron knives, many of which were products of the Central Plains era of China or were manufacturing techniques used in the region.
“They are evidence of cultural exchanges,” he says.
Ma adds that the burials illustrate the control of the Xinjiang region through the history of the central government, as well as the political, economic and cultural relations between the other cities and fortresses in this region.
According to the Xinjiang Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Relics, between 2007 and 2023, the site was excavated four times, leading to the discovery of more than 2,000 tombs, stoves, wells, and other relics dating back to the Spring Period. and Autumns (770-476). BC) to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, as well as a gigantic number of vital objects.
This year, the Xinjiang government drafted the Three-Year Action Plan for Cultural Heritage and Protection in Qiuci Region (2024-2026), aiming to explore the ancient connotations and values of archaeological elements and cultural relics in Qiuci.
Xinhua contributed to this story.
Contact writers in chenmeiling@chinadaily. com. cn