A sacrificial altar, dating back about 7,000 years, has been
discovered in central China's
Hunan Province, according to Chinese archaeologists.
The altar is the earliest sacrificial site so far found in
China, said He Gang, a researcher with the Hunan Institute of
Archaeology.
"Ancients prayed to the gods of nature, such as the gods of the
earth, river and heaven," said He at a archaeological forum held by
the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences recently in Beijing.
Archaeologists have found China's oldest white pottery specimens
among the altar relics. The pottery is decorated with phoenix and
beast patterns.
"The discovery of the altar is of great importance to research
into the origin of religion and ancient civilization," said He.
Located in Anbian Town, Hongjiang City of Hunan Province, the
site covers an area of 1,000 square meters. Bones of dozens of
animals including deer, pigs, cattle, bears, elephants and
rhinoceros have been excavated from the 39 sacrificial pits at the
site.
Examination of the teeth of pigs dug up at the site indicated
that they had been domesticated, He said, adding that this shows
that animal husbandry had emerged at that time.
(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2006)