Beijing opened a new exhibition on Wednesday, showcasing Majiayao pottery, and the relics reveal the artistry and beliefs of prehistoric China. Moreover, the display highlights a 5,000-year-old culture through carefully preserved Majiayao pottery pieces. In addition, these artifacts offer insights into ancient craftsmanship and spiritual traditions.
Among the displayed Majiayao ceramic artifacts, a color-painted bowl stands out due to a central black motif. Specifically, the design features a horizontal line topped by three vertical strokes. Furthermore, two sickle-shaped patterns flank the sides. Liu Guangyu, a pottery expert at Gansu Provincial Museum, noted that the motif resembles a “petal pattern.” He added that it may belong to a larger decorative sequence, enhancing the bowl’s significance.
Meanwhile, lead archaeologist Guo Zhiwei suggested that the Majiayao ceramic artifacts design might depict a soaring bird or a plant. Consequently, this reflects symbolic ties to nature. Moreover, he explained that the abstract style demonstrates how ancient people expressed spiritual aspirations through their artistry.
In addition, another fragment of Majiayao pottery displays a human-face motif painted with thick black lines. Vertical lines beneath the eyes may symbolize teardrops or a reverence for water. Guo explained that the pattern could represent prayers for fertile land and agricultural prosperity.
Similarly, a third vessel features evenly spaced lines and circular patterns. Notably, the endpoints taper into sharp angles. Zhao Zhigang, deputy director of the Majiayao Cultural Institute, described the designs as evidence of refined aesthetic sensibilities and deliberate craftsmanship in Majiayao pottery.
All Majiayao pottery on display was excavated from the Siwa site in Gansu Province. The site covers roughly two million square meters. In addition, archaeologists discovered house foundations, pottery kilns, and stone-processing remains. Consequently, the site confirms its status as a major Majiayao culture settlement.
Furthermore, the Majiayao culture played a crucial role in prehistoric Chinese handicrafts, agriculture, and cross-regional exchanges. Its influence extended from central and western Gansu to northwestern Sichuan, and even reached Xizang and Xinjiang. Liu emphasized that Majiayao pottery represents one of the earliest examples of civilization exchange between China and Central Asia.
In particular, Siwa site pottery is notable for painted motifs, including wave patterns, grids, human-like figures, and floral designs. Ancient artisans used black, white, and red pigments on orange-yellow clay. Additionally, they fired the Majiayao pottery at high temperatures, which preserved the colors for millennia.
In 2024, the Siwa site earned recognition as one of China’s Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries. Moreover, recent findings include a large-scale Majiayao pottery production area and a Banshan phase settlement. These discoveries provide critical insight into the origins of Chinese civilization.
Finally, archaeologists noted that further exploration of the Siwa site will likely uncover additional Majiayao pottery artifacts. As a result, this research will deepen understanding of Majiayao pottery and ancient Chinese culture.
