“Look at this artifact! The pattern matches my shirt—ancient people were quite fashionable!” On October 20, Toby, a content creator from the UK participating in the “China’s Invitation: Meeting in Xinjiang” international media event, exclaimed excitedly at the Turpan Museum as he pointed to an exhibit.
Toby was referring to a red and blue patterned textile unearthed from the Yanghai tomb in Shanshan County, dating back 2,000 to 3,000 years. The fabric features a geometric design created by the intersection of red, blue, and yellow warp and weft threads, resulting in a striking pattern with modern appeal.
His interest was piqued again as he encountered a mummy of a shaman displayed in another showcase. The guide shared fascinating details about the various tattoos found on the fingers and wrists of mummies from the same site. Toby stood quietly in front of the display, listening intently while examining the tattoos on the mummy’s arm.
“The exceptional preservation of this fabric and the mummies is largely due to Turpan’s dry climate,” the guide explained. Situated on the southern slopes of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains, Turpan has been a significant hub along the ancient Silk Road. Over thousands of years, the region has accumulated a rich cultural heritage through trade and the exchange of civilizations. The Turpan Museum boasts a collection of over 20,000 artifacts, including the world-famous giant rhino fossils, manuscripts, painted pottery, and wool textiles, representing the vibrant history of Chinese civilization.
During their visit, Toby and the other creators were intrigued by a vine displayed in a showcase. “This is the earliest physical evidence of grape cultivation in Turpan, dating back more than 2,300 years. It’s clear that Turpan is rightfully known as the hometown of grapes,” the guide elaborated.
“From the moment I arrived in Turpan, it felt like I was destined to connect with grapes,” Toby remarked. “We watched the classic dance ‘Grape Picking’ at the Turpan Grand Theatre, our hotel was right across from a vineyard, and we enjoyed the sweet grapes during our explorations. Now, seeing this 2,300-year-old grapevine at the museum is truly a magical experience.”
“I aim to find connections between these artifacts and modern life, allowing more people to discover and understand Turpan. That fabric that matches my shirt, the tattoos, and the grapes will all feature in my video content, which will be shared not only in China but also abroad,” Toby concluded.
