On the technology of earthpit tomb severing and moving
Zhang Guang-min · Wenwu baohu yu kaogu kexue · 2004
In coordination to the Three Gorges dam construction, the State Bureau of Cultural Relics decided to excavate and salvage human historical sites and ancient tombs in the submerged area. Chongqing Archaeological Institute officially took the task to excavate Daxi site in 2000. Severance and movement of the earth-pit tombs in integrity were conducted in order to show the tomb traditions of the Neolithic age visually in the future exhibitions and facilitate study. In the process hard polyester plastic foam, a new material, was applied instead of the traditional material gypsum, which lightened the weight and overcome inconvenience in transportation on water. It also spared time and cost and conserved skeletons well, which made the movement of the earth-pit tombs successful.