What is the 2,000-year-old brown mystery liquid found in ancient Chinese tomb? Scientists test substance found buried with warrior and his sword in 221BC
by Sophie Tanno For Mailonline- Chinese archaeologists have unearthed 2,000-year-old swan-shaped vessel
- Bronze pot was found inside tomb alongside a helmet and an iron and jade sword
- More than 3 litres of mysterious, brownish liquid was poured out from a hole
Chinese archaeologists have unearthed a 2,000-year-old swan-shaped bronze vessel which they say contains more than 3 litres of a mysterious liquid.
Researchers with the Sanmenxia Archaeology Institute in Central China's Henan Province announced the discovery of the intact grave on May 21. Tests are now being carried out to determine what the liquid is.
The bronzeware pot, the top of which is shaped like the neck and head of a swan, was found inside a tomb along with other burial objects such as a helmet and a sword made of jade and iron.
According to researcher Yan Fei, more than 3 litres of brownish liquid was poured out from a small hole.
Though members of the public have speculated the vessel may have contained some early form of grain alcohol, Mr Yan's institute said it has invited experts from Chinese capital Beijing to test the substance before confirming anything.
A researcher with the School of Humanities at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing took a sample of the liquid on May 18, which is still being analysed.
Mr Yan said: 'The swan-head bronze vessel is a rare find. It is the first time we've found such an item in this area.
'It's very lifelike, including its mouth and eyes. It really shows how skilled early civilisations were at creating bronzeware.'
Experts believe the bronzeware was modelled on a mute swan, known as a Cygnus olor.
Some thought it resembled a goose, but veterinarians concluded it was more than likely a swan due to its longer beak, the Sanmenxia Archaeological Institute reported.
The tomb where it was unearthed has been dated to the chaotic, war-torn period between the end of the Qin dynasty (221 to 207 BC) and the early Han dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD).
Researchers believe the items belonged to a low-ranking official.
The tomb was found by chance by workers taking part in an urban development project in a local village.
