Material Sources of Jade Artifacts Unearthed from the Songze and Liangzhu Cultures

Abstract:

The Songze and Liangzhu Cultures are characterized by the abundant and exquisite jade artifacts unearthed. The characteristics of unearthed jade artifacts， especially their sources， have become significant scientific questions drawing attention from the fields of earth science， archaeologyand cultural heritage. Based on the exploration of the geological processes that jade may undergo during burial and the potential changes that may occur， and the discussion about the regional geological prospecting and the innovative integrated research， it is suggested that the sources of jade artifacts unearthed from Songze and Liangzhu Cultures， while not excluding the possibility of “source from afar”， should primarily focus on “local resourcing”. The key to future breakthroughs lies， first and foremost， in the innovation of research routes and methods. In addition， it is essential to further deepen the comprehensive study of geological processes during the burial stage of jade artifacts. Moreover， it is essential to strengthen regional geological prospecting efforts， along with interdisciplinary collaborative research.