The Cradle of Tibetan Civilization: Exploring the Roots of the Tubo Dynasty at Shannan Museum

The Gateway to Tibetan History

1.Located in the Nedong District of Shannan: City, Tibet, near Hunan Road, the Shannan Museum stands as a monumental gateway to understanding the origins of Tibetan civilization. Shannan, known as the "Cradle of Tibetan Civilization," is the birthplace of the ancient Tubo Dynasty. It is here, along the banks of the Yarlung River, that the first King of Tibet walked the earth, the first palace (Yumbulagang) was built, the first temple (Samye Monastery) was consecrated, and the first piece of farmland was cultivated. The museum serves as a comprehensive "Time Capsule," condensing thousands of years of history into a space where visitors can trace the lineage of the Tibetan people from their mythical origins to the flourishing of a powerful empire.

A Journey Through the Era of the Tibetan Kings

The museum's exhibits are a visual feast of history, centered around the glorious Tubo Dynasty. Through vivid murals, unearthed artifacts, and detailed sand tables, the museum reconstructs the life and governance of the early Tibetan kings. Visitors can learn about Nyatri Tsenpo, the first king believed to have descended from the sky, and Songtsen Gampo, who unified the Tibetan Plateau and established a powerful empire. The collections include precious items such as red jade associated with Songtsen Gampo, ancient wooden slips from the Tubo period, and artifacts demonstrating the cultural exchanges with the Tang Dynasty, highlighting the legendary stories of Princess Wencheng and Princess Bhrikuti. These exhibits reveal Shannan not just as a political center but as a pivotal hub of cultural convergence on the ancient plateau.

2.Rare Treasures: The Pattra-leaf Scriptures

One of the museum's most significant and rare collections is the Pattra-leaf scriptures (Bei Ye Jing). These ancient Buddhist texts, written on palm leaves, are incredibly scarce and valuable, surviving centuries of history. Alongside these are ancient Tibetan medical texts and astronomical charts, showcasing the wisdom and scientific achievements of the ancestors. The museum also displays artifacts from the Stone Age and the Neolithic period found in the region, proving the long history of human settlement in the Yarlung Valley long before the rise of the kingdoms.

The "Firsts" of Tibet and Folk Culture

A unique section of the museum is dedicated to the "Firsts of Tibet," displaying archeological evidence of the region's agricultural beginnings, such as carbonized seeds from the first farmland. Beyond the royal history, the museum offers a deep dive into the rich folk culture of Shannan. Displays include the diverse traditional costumes of the Tibetan people, such as the unique "sheepskin" attire, and examples of intangible cultural heritage like the exquisite Zhanang woven fabrics. Life-size dioramas recreate traditional Tibetan homes and farming scenes, allowing visitors to step into the daily lives of the locals and understand the profound connection between the people and their land.