The book Archaeological Report for Everyone: The Mawangdui Han Tombs in Changsha was launched on May 18, the 50th International Museum Day. Created by Hunan Museum in partnership with a cultural creative team from Beijing Muse Museum Education Technology, the book has been published by Yilin Press.
As the first official popular science version of the Mawangdui archaeological report, the book uses a reader-friendly combination of text and images to re-create the excavation site and explain the artifacts' historical context.
"This book, designed for readers of all backgrounds, transforms detailed archaeological reports into an engaging and easy-to-read narrative, taking readers directly to the excavation site to uncover the secrets of ancient artifacts," says Wang Lei, editor of the book.
It provides a comprehensive view of Western Han (206 BC-AD 24) nobility and their cosmological beliefs, featuring items such as a T-shaped silk painting, plain gauze gowns, lacquerware, wooden figurines, and silk maps.
Additionally, the book includes a puzzle game where readers can scan a code to embark on a historical journey across Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) Changsha and uncover long-hidden stories of love and conflict.
Half a century ago, in the eastern suburbs of Changsha, the capital of Central China's Hunan province, there were two large, saddle-shaped mounds known as Mawangdui.
On Jan 16, 1972, a significant archaeological dig began (till 1974), unearthing the incredibly well-preserved body of Lady Xin Zhui, buried in the tomb more than 2,000 years ago, a landmark discovery in the world of archaeology.
Mawangdui is the burial site of Li Cang, the chancellor of the Changsha Kingdom during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), his wife Xin Zhui, and their son Li Xi.
According to Hunan Museum, they completed a systematic inventory in 2024, after decades of effort, of all the artifacts unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Tombs No 1, 2, and 3.
In total, 26,937 items have been cataloged, covering a wide range of artifacts, including clothing, food, housing, transportation, rituals, music, military affairs, astronomy, geography, medicine, health, and philosophical texts, effectively creating a complete underground world of the Western Han Dynasty.
"The artifacts unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Tombs are remarkably well-preserved and diverse, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and rich cultural significance. Even today, they serve as a key benchmark for understanding the development of early Han society," said Yu Yanjiao, director and research curator at the Mawangdui Han Tombs and Collections Research and Exhibition Center, Hunan Museum, in a previous interview.
The Changsha Mawangdui Han Tomb Exhibit is a must-see for every visitor to Hunan Museum. The exhibit showcases the daily life of Lady Xin Zhui and her family, offering a complete picture of Western Han society.
According to Xinhua News Agency, by 2024, which marked the 50th anniversary of the excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs, the number of visits to view the tomb artifacts had exceeded 100 million.
The most common label associated with Lady Xin Zhui is "uncorrupted female corpse". However, in this newly released book, she is presented first and foremost as a real person.
According to the archaeological report, she stood 1.54 meters tall and weighed 34.3 kilograms. Her body was remarkably well-preserved, with light brown skin that remained moist and elastic. She had a square-round face with high cheekbones and clearly defined features. Her head, neck, torso, and limbs were all intact. The soft tissue in her upper arms and thighs was plump and retained some elasticity.
As for her cause of death, archaeologists believe she suffered a coronary heart attack triggered by biliary colic after eating a melon. The discovery of 138 melon seeds in her esophagus, stomach and intestines provided key evidence for this theory.
But what allowed her body to remain so well-preserved over more than 2,000 years? The book highlights three main factors: a deep burial, sealing, and preservation.
Her tomb was buried deep underground and tightly sealed. Multiple layers of coffins provided protection, while the use of charcoal and white clay for sealing, along with liquid preservatives, created an environment that was consistently cool, humid, sterile, and oxygen-free. This environment protected her body from physical, chemical, and biological damage. Additionally, the high levels of mercury found in her body helped delay decomposition.
In the book, readers can also learn about the T-shaped silk painting found in the tomb, depicting a journey from heaven to the underworld and featuring divine birds, mythical beasts, and celestial beings, offering a glimpse into the Han Dynasty's fascinating views on life and death.
Additionally, readers can explore over 130,000 words of silk manuscripts, including one of the world's earliest extant military maps, one of the first known comet charts, one of the oldest medical texts, Recipes for 52 Ailments, and one of the earliest copies of Laozi (Lao Tzu).
The book provides a detailed map of the burial artifacts, accurately re-creating how items were originally arranged in the four-sided tomb chambers.
Throughout the book, readers can also find interactive features, including fold-out pages, pop-ups, and folders, each offering opportunities to engage more deeply with the artifacts.
