Decapitated, Kneeling Skeleton Unearthed From a Pit, Believed to Be the Result of a Ritualistic Killing

Researchers found a kneeling decapitated skeleton in China and believe the human died as part of a sacrifice. The remains were spotted in the Chaizhuang site of Jiyuan's Henan province, stated Ancient Origins. The bones of the human were unearthed from a place they labeled as a 'sacrificial pit.' Examinations revealed that the site dates back to the Shang Dynasty (1600 B.C. to 1046 B.C.). 

Since 2019, officials from the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and the Jiyuan Municipal Cultural Relics Team have been excavating the Chaizhuang site. The sacrificial remains were found during this project. During their exploration, researchers found water wells, roads, stoves, houses, proof of seafood consumption, and tombs containing items like jewelry, pottery, and bones from the site.

Experts noted that the individual was buried in a kneeling position with folded arms and clasped hands. The remains were also observed to be facing north. Researchers believe this finding confirms speculation that during the Shang Dynasty, sacrificed individuals were laid to rest in an upright position. For researchers, the remains are valuable evidence representing the social and spiritual practices of the period. 

Researchers also spotted a piece of oracle bone at the same site. Experts stated that the particular bone featured the "Kan" glyph, a special kind of carving. The glyph showcased the methodology of human and animal pit sacrifices, as per archaeologists. Researchers believe the bones display the earliest fully developed ancient Chinese characters, that were carved on human and animal bones. Liang Fawei, leader of the Chaizhuang site excavation explained that there are four Chinese terms- "She," "Shi," "Tan" and "Kan," which are used to describe sacrificial rites. 'Kan' explains burial in an upright position.

The bones were sent for analysis and it was confirmed that the individual was beheaded, according to Xinhua Net. In the past, all such sacrificial remains had been found in a lying position. Those findings were at a crossroads with what experts had perceived from ancient Chinese carvings featuring 'Kan.' The carvings suggested that human sacrifices were put to rest in an upright position. The discovery at the Chaizhuang site aligns with what has been depicted in the carvings. Archaeologists think the upright burial must have been more popular, it's just that specimens of this kind are yet to be found. 

Instances of human and animal sacrifice in the Shang Dynasty have been recorded by experts in the past, as per Ancient Origins. According to the available evidence, common folks used to be buried with their domesticated animals like pigs and dogs. The elites were laid to rest along with their wives, concubines, slaves, bodyguards, and servants. The idea was for the sacrificed subjects to follow their 'masters' into the other world. Archaeologists uncovered the tomb of Duke Mu of Qin, born Renhao, the fourteenth ruler of Qin (659–621 BC) in the western side of the Zhou kingdom, which contained remains of 177 beings apart from the emperor. Researchers believe they were sacrificed to accompany the ruler.