3500 year old bone ice skates found in China

At an archaeology press conference in Xinjiang, it was announced that 3,500 year old ice skates made of animal bone have been found in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Skates made of cattle and horse bones were found in the cemetery of an archaeological site in the Ili River Valley. The skates are very similar to ancient bone ice skates found in Europe.

The reason why people in Xinjiang skated on ice is unknown, but experts say the discovery is clear evidence of communication between China and Europe on the Eurasian continent during the Bronze Age.

In addition, parts of 40 wooden wagons, including solid wood wheels, shafts, axles and carts, were scattered around the burial site.  “Judging from the scattered pieces, we believe that these wooden wagon parts were abandoned by their owners, deliberately separated and buried during the construction of the tomb,” said Ruan Qiurong, head of the excavation.

According to the Global Times, experts theorize that this tomb, found in the Bronze Age Gaotai Ruins in Xinjiang’s Nilka county, belonged to a noble family who were shepherds.

After years of excavation, Ruan is confident that the Gaotai Ruins were a prime burial site for a livestock community. The discovery of this tomb will certainly be useful in studying burial culture and social structure at the end of the Bronze Age.

Another 500 cultural remains were discovered at the excavation site, including pottery, stone vessels, bronze ware and animal bones.

Gaotai Ruins is a stone-built tomb complex of 120 square meters. It is part of the Jiren Taigoukou Ruins discovered in the Ili River Valley. The Jiren Taigoukou Ruins are surrounded by high mountains on both sides of the Kashi River to the north and the canyon mouth to the west, providing a superior geographical environment and a favorable climate. The region is therefore ideal for livestock breeding.

Xinjiang is now internationally recognized as the birthplace of skiing and is called the cradle of skiing. Archaeologists said the ancient ice skates, discovered for the first time in China, also provide evidence for Chinese archaeologists to trace other winter sports in the country.