Overview of Longzi Sarcophagus Burial
Location and Historical Context: The Longzi sarcophagus burial site is located in Longzi County. Based on the construction shape and unearthed relics, these burials date back to prehistoric times, representing a significant part of the ancient “Nirvana” land’s cultural history. The site comprises various sarcophagus burials, including Kujiupa, Shalamu, Manidang, Nie Rong, and Qiu’e.
Detailed Look at Kujiupa Sarcophagus Burial
Location and Altitude:
- The Kujiupa sarcophagus burial is situated in “Kujiupa,” Douyu Township, Longzi, at an altitude of 3060 meters.
Burial Structure and Method:
- Arrangement: A total of 5 sarcophagi have been found, aligned in a row.
- Construction: The method involves leveling the ground surface, then excavating a vertical pit about 3 to 4 meters deep. This pit is lined with four whole stone slabs placed close to the walls.
- Burial Process: After placing the body, the sarcophagus is covered with thin stone slabs, layered from several to more than ten layers, and then the pit is filled with soil to be level with the ground.
- Archaeological Significance: Research by archaeological experts suggests that these sarcophagi date back to the prehistoric Stone Age. They are considered relics of local burial customs from ancient times.
The Longzi sarcophagus burial site provides a unique window into the ancient burial practices of the region. The methodical construction of these sarcophagi and their arrangement reflect the sophisticated cultural and spiritual beliefs of the prehistoric inhabitants of “Nirvana.” As an archaeological site, it offers valuable insights into the early human settlements and their customs in the Tibetan region, contributing significantly to the understanding of the area’s extensive and rich history.
Overview of Various Sarcophagus Burials in Longzi County
⑵ Shalam Sarcophagus Burial
Location and Structure:
- Situated in the east of Douyu Township, Longzi, at an altitude of 3030 meters.
- The sarcophagus is constructed on a cliff, approximately 60 meters in length and 1.16 meters wide, with walls made of whole stones.
- The burial pit is about 50 cm deep with more than ten layers of cover plates.
- Findings include scattered human bone fragments, suggesting the deceased was an adult male.
Significance:
- Dating from the prehistoric Neolithic period, it provides insights into ancient funerary practices.
⑶ Manidang Sarcophagus Burial
Location and Features:
- Located 1 kilometer north of the highway on a steep slope, with an altitude of 3500 meters.
- Comprises 5 sarcophagi, each with dimensions indicating they were made from whole stones.
- Due to damage, no human remains or objects were found inside.
⑷ Nie Rong’s Sarcophagus Burial
Location and Dimensions:
- Found in Nie Rong Village, Liemai Township, Longzi, at an altitude of 3560 meters.
- Features 10 sarcophagus tombs, arranged in a north-to-south line.
- Chambers are typically 1.2 meters long and 70 cm wide, with a height of 60 cm, covered with stone slabs of 4-8 cm thickness.
Archaeological Findings:
- Human bones, pottery fragments, and stone tools suggest a Neolithic Age origin.
⑸ Qiu’e Sarcophagus Burial
Location and Construction:
- Located in a gully on the east side of Qiu’e Village, Songba Township, Longzi, at an elevation of 4000 meters.
- The sarcophagus is rectangular, measuring 1.04 meters in length, 42 cm in width, and 39 cm in height, made from whole stones.
Discoveries:
- Fragments of human bones and a red, oval-tube-shaped stone bead were unearthed, presumed to have been adornments for the deceased.
- This sarcophagus is also believed to date back to the Neolithic Age.
Conclusion
These sarcophagus burials in Longzi County offer valuable archaeological and historical insights into the burial customs and cultural practices of the region’s ancient inhabitants. Each site, with its unique features and findings, contributes to the understanding of the prehistoric Neolithic Age in the Tibetan region.
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