As part of a major international exhibition “China’s Lost Civilization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui,” I created 3D models of five famous objects from the sites of Sanxingdui and Jinsha which were loaned to the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana for the show. After taking hundreds of aligned photographs (see left), I crafted the models using photogrammetry software (3D SOM, PhotoScan). The final models were also annotated with technical and art historical details. The models are permanently hosted on the Sketchfab website and are free to view for classroom or other uses.
Mask of a Human-Animal Composite Creature
Bronze
Height 66 cm, width 138 cm
1250-1100 BCE
Excavated from Sanxingdui, pit no. 2
Sanxingdui Museum, accession no. 00501
Model by Anthony Barbieri, UCSB
This enormous mask was probably originally attached to a large column or other architectural feature of a palace or temple. Large cut-out rectangles on either side indicate where the mask would have been secured in place in its original location. Another cut-out on the forehead may have been used to secure a bronze plume or other appendage. The most striking feature of the mask are the bulging eyes, the significance of which is still a mystery. The mask was later sacrificed in pit no. 2 at Sanxingdui and may have been damaged intentionally before burial.
Bronze Figure with Animal Headdress
Bronze
Height 40.2 cm, width 23.3 cm, weight 3 kg
1250-1100 BCE
Excavated from Sanxingdui, pit no. 2
Sanxingdui Museum, no. 00281
Model by Anthony Barbieri, UCSB
Figure with Human Body and Bird’s Feet
Bronze
Height 84.1 cm, width 10.8 cm
1250-1100 BCE
Excavated from Sanxingdui, pit no. 2
Sanxingdui Museum, accession no. 00286
Model by Anthony Barbieri, UCSB
Kneeling Human Figure
Stone
H. 21.72 cm ca. 1100-900 BCE
Found at the site of Jinsha, Sichuan Province
Accession no. 2001CQJC:716
Model by Anthony Barbieri, UCSB
This remarkable stone figure probably represents a war captive or human sacrifice. The figure is seated on its heels. The eyes and teeth are evident with incised lines with some color inlay. The oversized hands are bound behind the back. A long braid runs down the figures back as well and the hair on the top of the head is parted in the middle.
Human Head with Gold Mask
Bronze with gold foil
Height 48.1 cm
1250-1100 BCE
Excavated from Sanxingdui Pit no. 2, Sichuan
From Sanxingdui Museum, accession no. 00646
Model by Anthony Barbieri-Low, UCSB