Sanxingdui, Sichuan, China (12/27/2011)

Ever since the artifacts of Sanxingdui were presented at the Royal Ontario Museum over a decade ago, I have wanted to learn more about the mysterious civilization that inhabited central Sichuan 3,000 - 5,000 years ago. They left no written record other than 7 characters and there was no record of their existence in Chinese texts.  Their artifacts were remarkably detailed, precise and modern-looking. Their style demonstrated significant foreign influence and had a strong resemblance to Meso-American artwork (or perhaps vice versa?). While no mysteries were solved, it was great to see the museum and site where on-going excavations are occurring.