A Western Zhou tomb at Shigushan in Baoji, Shaanxi

AbstractThe Shigushan Western Zhou tombs are located at Shizuitou Village in Shigu Town, Weibin District, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province. Tomb M3, excavated in 2012, was in the form of a vertical pit with a rectangular plan and artificial ledge. Recesses were found on the east, north, and west walls of the grave. The tomb furnishings consisted of an inner coffin and two outer coffin chambers. Grave goods unearthed from this tomb include bronze ritual vessels, weapons, and chariot fittings. Altogether, 31 pieces representing 14 types of bronzes have been excavated. The tomb is dated to the transitional era from the Late Shang to the Western Zhou Dynasties. Since the assemblages of bronzes, which are all exquisite pieces of art, include almost every major kind of bronzes, the occupant was probably a relatively high-status aristocrat. In addition, the excavation has provided essential new data for the study of Western Zhou bronzes and funeral customs and rites. This new discovery also has the potential to yield significant new insights and substantially improve the understandings of Western Zhou history, culture and ritual.