archaeologists have uncovered a collection of ancient relics in southwest China, including a 3000 year old gold mask. The half pound mask is one of over 500 items found in six newly discovered sacrificial pits in the Sichuan Province. Other items found by archaeologists include bronzes, gold foils and artifacts made from ivory, jade and bone. More than 50,000 artifacts have been found at the 4.6 square mile site since its discovery in the 19 twenties. Like this bronze head and mask discovered in 1986 when the first ceremonial pits were found, some experts believe the recent items may shine further light on the ancient Shu state, a former kingdom conquered in 3 16 BC Speaking of priceless, a group of fishermen shared a surreal, rare moment 130 miles off the coast of Texas. Big, Big Oil man Yeah, a large pod of killer whales began following their fishing boat. The New Buccaneer Group was wrapping up an overnight fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico when it happened, Captain Sam Hartman said there were roughly 100 orcas in total, but only about 30 began following them. He says on his expeditions. They frequently see dolphins and pilot whales, but never orcas. Hardiman said Everyone on board was extremely grateful for the encounter. Cool or take a look at this. I'm Jeremy Roth.

3,000-year-old gold mask found

Updated: 11:22 PM EDT Mar 22, 2021

The remains of a gold mask are among a huge cache of 3,000-year-old artifacts found at an archaeological site in China's Sichuan province.Estimated to be made from 84% gold and weighing over half a pound, the ceremonial mask is one of more than 500 items found in the six newly discovered "sacrificial pits," according to the country's National Cultural Heritage Administration.The finds were made at Sanxingdui, a 4.6-square-mile area outside the provincial capital of Chengdu. Some experts believe the finds will shed light on the anchient Shu state, a kingdom that was conquered in 316 BC. In addition to the gold mask, archaeologists also found bronzes, gold foils and artifacts made from ivory, jade and bone. More than 50,000 ancient artifacts have been found at Sanxingdui since the 1920s, when a local farmer accidentally came upon a number of relics at the site. Experts believe the pits were used for sacrificial purposes, explaining why many of the items contained were ritually burned as they were dropped in and buried.

The remains of a gold mask are among a huge cache of 3,000-year-old artifacts found at an archaeological site in China's Sichuan province.

Estimated to be made from 84% gold and weighing over half a pound, the ceremonial mask is one of more than 500 items found in the six newly discovered "sacrificial pits," according to the country's National Cultural Heritage Administration.

The finds were made at Sanxingdui, a 4.6-square-mile area outside the provincial capital of Chengdu. Some experts believe the finds will shed light on the anchient Shu state, a kingdom that was conquered in 316 BC.

In addition to the gold mask, archaeologists also found bronzes, gold foils and artifacts made from ivory, jade and bone.

More than 50,000 ancient artifacts have been found at Sanxingdui since the 1920s, when a local farmer accidentally came upon a number of relics at the site.

Experts believe the pits were used for sacrificial purposes, explaining why many of the items contained were ritually burned as they were dropped in and buried.