Archaeologists have discovered a dragon from mussel shells: a “mysterious artifact”

“Monumental” find made in Inner Mongolia

Archaeologists have recently made an amazing, even “monumental” find: a dragon made from mussel shells in Inner Mongolia (China). Last week, archaeologists discovered a dragon made from mussel shells in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China, that dates back much earlier than the iconic C-shaped jade dragon, which also belongs to the Neolithic Hongshan culture.

As noted Arkeonews, Chifeng City is located in the vast plains of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northeast China. Recently, its historical significance has been boosted by a monumental discovery that could potentially rewrite some aspects of ancient Chinese cultural narratives. The study of this new discovery and its implications reveals the complex and fascinating history of ancient Hongshan culture.

Historical records place the Hongshan culture between 4700 and 2900 BC. Among the countless contributions to ancient Chinese civilization, he is perhaps best known for his exquisite jade carvings.

In a moment that can only be described as a fluke, archaeologists stumble upon a mysterious artifact: a dragon carefully crafted from mussel shells.

The discovery is an important find that fills a gap in archaeologists’ knowledge of the dragon symbol in the early Hongshan culture, says Song Jingshan, president of the Inner Mongolia Institute of Cultural Relics and Archeology.

The jigsaw-like dragon is made up of several mussel shells that form its head, body and tail, according to Hu Chongbo, excavation project leader at the Kaitaopo site in Songshan District in Chifeng.

This intriguing dragon, about 20 centimeters long, is a mosaic of nature’s mysteries. The entire structure, from head to tail, reflects a deep understanding of anatomy and a commendable attitude towards art.

The excavated items, which were found next to the fragments of two pottery items, are typical of the Hongshan culture, according to Arkeonews.

This mussel shell dragon is very different from the previously discovered Hongshan C-shaped jade dragon in terms of carving technique and style. It looks more delicate and realistic, and the teeth, tail and other parts of the thread are very thin. In addition, the shape is not a C-shaped dragon with a coiled body, but an outstretched image of a dragon.

Archaeologists believe that previously unearthed Hongshan jade artifacts were housed in high-class ritual buildings or ceremonial venues, while the dragon unearthed during the current excavation is the key to the spiritual world of people living in low-grade settlements.

This distinction highlights the cultural diversity and social stratification of the Hongshan culture, presenting a richer picture of their lifestyles, beliefs, and rituals.

The Hongshan culture, flourishing in the Western Liao River Basin in northeast China, marked the Neolithic era with its own identity. Various archaeological sites associated with this culture stretch from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to Liaoning.