npj Heritage Science· 2026Q1
A wooden brazier and ritual plant burning in early Iron Age Xinjiang, China
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- 2026year
Short summary
A wooden brazier from 5th-3rd century BC Xinjiang, China, shows chemical evidence of burned cannabis (cannabinol) and aromatic plants like Artemisia annua, indicating its use as a specialized ritual implement.
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Key points
- A wooden brazier from 5th-3rd century BC Xinjiang contained chemical residues of burned cannabis (cannabinol).
- Evidence also indicates the burning of Artemisia annua and other aromatic plants.
- The brazier was constructed from spruce wood and showed repeated scorch marks.
- These findings support its interpretation as a specialized ritual implement for spiritual practices.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the function of a wooden brazier excavated from the Hongshan Cemetery (5th to 3rd century BC) in Xinjiang, northwestern China. Organic residues and material composition were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and wood anatomical analysis to identify burned plant resources and explore their cultural significance. GC-MS results confirmed the presence of cannabinol (CBN) in multiple samples, providing direct evidence for the burning of cannabis. Artemisia ketone, benzaldehyde, and benzoic acid esters were also identified, indicating the burning of Artemisia annua and other aromatic plants, along with plant-derived biomarkers that indicate diverse plant materials. Wood anatomical analysis identified the brazier as made from Picea sp. trunks, and repeated scorch marks support its interpretation as a specialised ritual implement rather than a domestic vessel. These findings provide new chemical evidence for the multifaceted roles of plants in early Iron Age Xinjiang, encompassing ritual practices and spiritual expression.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. npj Heritage Science, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Anthropology
AnthropologySocial Sciences