Blood May Be Secret Ingredient in 2,000-Year-Old Chinese Rock Art
A new study indicates that blood, possibly from childbirth, might have played an important role in the vibrant red paint used in the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape in southern China, which has maintained its color for nearly 2,000 years. Created by the Luoyue people between the fifth century B.C.E. and the second century C.E., this artwork spans over 80 locations with various scenes. The findings, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science in September, employed infrared light and protein analysis on paint samples, revealing a two-step painting technique. Interestingly, about 97% of proteins in one sample were human, leading to debates about the use of childbirth blood, though some experts caution against possible contamination.
Key facts
- Rock art in China's Zuojiang River Valley has remained bright red for nearly 2,000 years.
- Study published in Journal of Archaeological Science suggests blood was a key ingredient in the paint.
- The art is spread across more than 80 sites spanning roughly 160 miles.
- Created between 5th century B.C.E. and 2nd century C.E. by the Luoyue people.
- Researchers analyzed five fallen fragments from three sites.
- Blood proteins helped form calcium carbonate, securing pigment to rock.
- About 97% of proteins in one sample were human; another had equal human and animal proteins.
- Proteins prolactin-inducible protein and lactotransferrin suggest childbirth blood may have been used.
- Some experts question the findings, citing possible contamination and overinterpretation.
Entities
Artists
- Meng Wu
- Matthew Collins
- Jose Miguel Perez-Gomez
Institutions
- Shandong University
- University of Cambridge
- Simon Bolivar University
- Journal of Archaeological Science
- Smithsonian Magazine
Locations
- China
- Zuojiang River Valley
- Vietnam
- England
- Venezuela
- Longmont
- Colorado