Sanxingdui

The ancient culture of Sanxingdui is really intriguing, particularly in relation to the other information on this site.

First, it was once the Kingdom of Shu, in the Southwest Chinese Sichuan Province. There is very little known about the culture, though it is now believed they may have moved to another area due to an earthquake.

Second, the figure of their tree of life does bear some resemblance to the Egyptian lotus.

Third, while the Marquesan figures have more rounded eyes, there is a similarity between their figures and those of Sanxingdui. The downward slant of the eyes is also seen in some artifacts of the Danish Vikings and the Chupícuaro of pre-classic Mexico. some Egyptian art, like that of Amenhotep III, also have eyes that slant downward in their statues.

In looking at the name, I was also immediately reminded of Xanadu.

I also found examples of the elliptical eyes (slanting downward) in Yoruba art. There are other instances of art where the eyes slant upward but I am comparing specifically to the eye slant seen in the Sanxingdi figures.

In looking for similar depictions of protruding eyes, I found a few in Papua New Guinea art,, and also in an ancient representation of Buddha. There was also a representation of Kirtimukha where his eyes are spirals or whirlwinds/vortexes and he has fangs. However, outside of the Taotie, the protruding eyes of the Sanxingdiu appear to have something inserted in them (similar to gauging) rather than the eyeball bulging outward. This may be depiction of a story of a king or priest being killed.

Another immediate thought was that the name of the ancient Sanxingdui king, Can Kong, reminded me of King Kong. Given that there is similarity to the art of Central Mexico, I wondered if the Shoo province had anything to do with Zapato (meaning “shoe” and “Beetle crusher”)?

And, if so, who were the beetles?

Another tie between Sanxingdui and the Marquesan Islands is the fig tree (ficus religiosa). The tree is sacred to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.