An analytical research of the carving technology and the purpose of using a typical nephrite handle-shaped artefact from the Fu Hao Tomb (1250–1192 BC) in China

Abstract

The Fu Hao Tomb is one of the most representative Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC) royal tombs, and the handle-shaped artefact unearthed from this tomb is a special jade object manufactured during the Three Dynasties Period (the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, c. 2000–200 BC). For a long time, the manufacturing technology and the function of handle-shaped object remain an unsolved problem in academic research. In this article, one piece of the typical handle-shaped artefact from the Fu Hao Tomb (c. 1250–1192 BC) is analysed by utilising Raman spectrometer and scanning electron microscope and observed by a microscope to investigate the carving technology and the purpose of their usage. The results suggest that the carving technologies applied on the handle-shaped artefact are different among various sections of its body: the bottom part is rougher than the other parts, which indicate the bottom is connected to other objects by mortise and tenon joints. This type of artefact should be considered as the origin of a new form of handle-shaped artefacts manufactured during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1122–771 BC). Combined with previous work, the authors suggest the handle-shaped artefacts were used as a form of sacrificial offering during celebrations and funerals in ancient times.