Bird-shaped gold ornament unearthed from the Sanxingdui n°5 sacrificial pit, from the collection of the Sanxingdui Museum.

This bird-shaped gold ornament is the first of its kind to be discovered at the Sanxingdui site. As thin as a sheet of paper, it was crafted so delicately that it almost seems ready to fly.

Experts believe it was used as a decorative piece on clothing or other items, demonstrating the ancient Shu people’s fascination with the idea of flight.

Discovered in 2021 in Sanxingdui’s No 5 sacrificial pit, the ornament was found twisted up but has since been carefully restored to its former glory. It is now on display at the Sanxingdui Museum.