Shang dynasty king's titles on New Mexico panel. Panel contains turtle symbol, cross symbol, and unique characters Only turtle and cross appear elsewhere in American Southwest; other symbols are unique to this panel Red circle contains father's title (deceased king)
A panel shows Shang dynasty symbols: red circle for father's title (deceased king), blue for reigning king's signature, yellow for hunted sacrifice (animal with arrow). A vessel matches bronze utensils from the Shang capital. The cross symbol may relate to the Heavenly Stems system.
Key facts claimed:
- Panel contains turtle symbol, cross symbol, and unique characters
- Turtle and cross symbols appear elsewhere in American Southwest; other symbols are unique to this panel
- Red circle contains father's title (deceased king)
- Blue circle represents reigning king's signature
- Yellow circle shows animal with arrow on its back representing hunted sacrifice
Key Facts
- Panel contains turtle symbol, cross symbol, and unique characters
- Only turtle and cross appear elsewhere in American Southwest; other symbols are unique to this panel
- Red circle contains father's title (deceased king)
- Blue circle represents reigning king's signature
- Yellow circle shows animal with arrow on its back representing hunted sacrifice
- Adjacent vessel matches bronze utensils from Shang dynasty capital in China
- Cross symbol in ancient Chinese writing represents the Heavenly Stems system
Source: Ancient Symbols: Bridging China and the Americas Through Rock Art | A conversation with Vi Duo by Institute for Natural Philosophy