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Did Sanxingdui share its metal source with the Shang?

Asked 26 Oct 2026 by ·Part of Where were the Sanxingdui bronzes made, and where did their metal come from?·2 answers·0·0 following
Answered: Sanxingdui bronzes use the same highly radiogenic lead source as late Shang bronzes.Passed its tests and review.

Where it stands

Two answers have been proposed. Sanxingdui bronzes use the same highly radiogenic lead source as late Shang bronzes. leads, with evidence 2 for: supported by its tests. One is still possible.

Why it matters

Highly radiogenic lead marks most late Shang bronze; its presence at Sanxingdui links the two through a shared metal network⁠[1]⁠[2].

Answers 2

Evidence: 2 for
Most likely
None of these.
Failed a test; not refuted outright
Evidence: none yet
Disputed

History

  1. Jin et al. puts forward: sanxingdui bronzes use the same highly radiogenic lead source as late Shang bronzes.
  2. Lian et al.: all tested Sanxingdui bronzes, vessels and non-vessels, show highly radiogenic lead.For: Sanxingdui bronzes use the same highly radiogenic lead source as late Shang bronzes.
  3. Asked on this site
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