Recently, the new building of Yinxu Museum was officially opened. This is the first large-scale museum in China to present to the public a national archaeological theme in the form of a panoramic view of the famous Shang Dynasty (1600 bc.-1046 bc.). The museum exhibits nearly 4,000 pieces/sets of bronzes, jade, and oracle bones the earliest writing carriers in China.
When it comes to the Yinxu Museum, we have to mention an outstanding female historical figure: Fu Hao, also known as Simuxin.
She was the first female general in Chinese history, was also the first wife of King Wuding of the Shang Dynasty (1600 bc.-1046 bc.). Meanwhile a priestess who was trusted by the king for her expertise in divination. She was an amazing woman with multiple identities!
Bronze sacrificial vessel — Simuxin ding
In 1976, the tomb of Fuhao was unearthed in Anyang. Its name derives from an inscription on the burial objects in the tomb.
The tomb is the only one known to have preserved in its entirety a tomb of a member of the royal family of the Shang Dynasty (1600 bc.-1046 bc.). Also, the burials and material in this tomb are relatively complete.
Fuhao and Simuxin ding
The “Simuxin ding” found in the tomb of Fu Hao is another major archaeological discovery of the Shang Dynasty. It is another major archaeological discovery after the “Houmuwu ding” (or Simuwu ding).
After that into the Bronze Age, “Ding” from the ordinary food utensils into a heavy and gorgeous bronze ritual. It became the status symbol of the noble ruling class at that time.
In addition, as the town treasure of Yinxu Museum, Simuxin ding has a high research value and artistic value.
The name “Simuxin” comes from the inscription of bronze, which is used as a signature. The name “xin” is the temple name of Fuhao, the wife of King Wuding of the Shang Dynasty. “mu xin” is the name given by the son to his mother. It can be seen that the Simuxin ding was a ritual vessel made by the son of Fuhao to commemorate her.
Archaeology allows the world to study artefacts and history to discover the different social. Also the life experiences of our ancestors thousands of years ago.
In the tomb of Fuhao, a large number of oracle bones and written records of Fuhao’s life have been unearthed. The person in charge of the Yinxu Museum said, “Fuhao was the famous queen of Wuding and also the first female general in history.” She made great achievements for the Shang dynasty. Also was one of the important and indelible figures in history.
Ornamentation on the Bronze ding
The Simuxin ding is 80,1 cm high, with a 64,0 cm long and 48,0 cm wide rectangular mouth. The body of the vessel is intricately decorated.
The lower four sides of the mouth and the corners are decorated with animal-face motifs, with cloud and thunder motifs on the base, studs on the bottom of the waist, and a striking animal face on the upper part of the foot.
Most importantly, the ancient Chinese beasts “Taotie” and “Kui Long” are used as decorations, suggesting majesty and power. And with the cloud and thunder pattern as a backing, it adds a sense of mystery to the vessel.
Anyang Yinxu Ruins
Tracing the archaeological history of China, it can be found that the Shang Dynasty (1600 bc.-1046 bc.) is the earliest dynasty in China supported by archaeological evidence. Moreover, the archaeological site of Yinxu in Anyang, an important site of the Shang Dynasty, is of great significance.
On 25 February 2023, the Smithsonian’s centennial celebration of the National Museum of Asian Art in the United States featured an exhibition on Anyang: China’s Ancient City of Kings.
To sum up, it is one of China’s oldest and largest archeological sites. And is the birthplace of Chinese archaeology, while the earliest Chinese writing was found here. Further, it was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
