A rare golden horse was found in a nomad tomb complex that was unearthed in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
After conducting an archaeological DNA analysis, experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Science confirmed that the remains belonged to a palomino, which is a horse with a rare golden coat and white mane and tail, Xinhua News reported.
"The color of the horse's body was golden, or palomino, while its mane and tail were nearly white," lead researcher Zhao Xin told Xinhua News. "Though it's not the first archaeological discovery of a golden horse, such genovariation is very, very rare."
The tomb complex dated back to the Western Han Dynasty and was estimated to have existed from 400 to 120 B.C. It was excavated from 2006 to 2007 through the joint effort of Northwestern University and the Xinjiang cultural relics department.
Along with human and animal remains, pottery and vessels made of gold, silver, bronze and stone were unearthed in the tomb.
There were a total of five horses in the tomb, all of which were believed to have been buried as sacrifices for three people. Four of them were buried in various chambers. Only the golden horse was buried with its owner.
"Obviously, its conspicuous and unique appearance made it precious," Zhao said.
Palomino horses were so unique that they were often chosen by kings, queens and emperors. Their bloodlines are considered to be one of the finest horse breeds. Efforts are now being undertaken to preserve its bloodline, according to Oklahoma State University's Department of Animal Science.