New discoveries in Xinjiang awe archaeologists

Recently, 47 heritage sites and more than 70 artefacts were found at the middle and lower reaches of the Keriya River in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

47 heritage sites and more than 70 artefacts were found at the middle and lower reaches of the Keriya River
in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region [Credit: Li Xiao/China Daily]

The discoveries include rare "wooden corpses", exquisite jade sceptres, jade rings and a sarcophagus with ritual symbolism.

The research team consisted of experts from Renmin University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Cultural Relics Bureau of Hetian district in Xinjiang.

The research team consists of experts from Renmin University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and 
the Cultural Relics Bureau of Hetian district in Xinjiang [Credit: Li Xiao/China Daily]

According to Li Xiao, head of the team involved in the scientific research, the age of these artefacts was initially identified as 4,000 to 2000 years ago.

The discovery could play an important role in the study of the natural and historical changes in the southern margin of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang.

Source: China Daily [December 20, 2018]