AncientPages.com - Archeologists in North China's Shanxi Province have excavated a rare turtle-shaped brick tomb dating back to about 800 years.
The tomb of the mid to late Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) was discovered in April this year by a resident of Shangzhuang Village, Qinxian County, who was building the foundation for his new house, according to Bai Shuzhang with the provincial Institute of Archaeology.
With a height of four meters, the tomb consists of an octagonal burial chamber and five small rooms at the chamber's northern, northeastern, northwestern, southeastern and southwestern sides.
A rare turtle-shaped brick tomb dating back to about 800 years. Credits: (AFP)
A great deal of mythology exists in regard to the turtle, a powerful animal, which was considered the ruler over the insects.
Because turtles live longer than other animals, they symbolize longevity and the turtle is still Asia's symbols for longevity. Especially under the influence of Taoism, the turtle shell is the symbol of heaven and the flat square underside the symbol of earth.
According to ancient beliefs in the Far East, the turtle carries the world on its back and its magic united heaven and earth,
It is also the symbol of fertility, vitality and great patience.
The design of the tomb from Shangzhuang Village, Qinxian County, makes it look like a turtle from above. Inside, seven sides of the chamber are embedded with 21 brick carvings, three on each side.
The works depict folk tales about filial sons. Analyses from the unearthed human remains suggest the tomb was shared by several generations of people.
Bai said the tomb's shape is unusual and the brick carvings are important for research on funeral customs during the dynasty.
AncientPages.com
source: Xinhuanet
