The Wubao Tombs Cluster

Wubao Tombs Cluster

The Wubao Tombs Cluster is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Wubao Tombs Cluster is located in the depths of the Gobi Desert about 2 kilometers northwest of Wubao Township, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Dating back over 3,200 years, it is a clan commune cemetery from the late primitive society, covering an area of approximately 5,000 square meters. The tombs are distributed on a mound, with a semi-circular layout above ground. The burial sites are densely arranged and no burial mounds are visible on the surface. Artifacts unearthed include wooden ware, pottery, stone tools, bone tools, bronze ware, wool textiles, leather products, and mummies. The tomb site was discovered in 1978, and after three excavations, a total of 113 tombs were cleared. It is now a Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Wubao Ancient Tomb Cluster is not only of great significance for the study of Bronze Age culture, but also plays an irreplaceable role in researching the origins and development of ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

The surface of the Wubao tombs consists of a 10–20 cm thick layer of gravel, beneath which lies a 10–20 cm thick layer of gray fine sandstone. The tomb entrances are located under the gray sandy soil layer, mixed with limestone or quartz components. The burial pits are mostly rectangular earthen pits, most of which have one or two steps made of natural or adobe earth. The pits are covered with processed poplar wood. Most tombs contain a single individual buried in a lateral flexed position. The unearthed grave goods are mainly daily necessities and production tools, with no obvious signs of wealth disparity. Daily items include pottery jars, wooden buckets, wooden spoons, wooden combs, stone pestles, and small bronze knives. Tools consist of wooden plows and triangular wooden digging implements, along with items such as bridles, stone balls, and wheels. The wool textiles are finely woven, with dense textures and intricate patterns, while the leather products remain soft to this day.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units