Ritual or lethal? Bronze weapons in late Shang China
Resource type
Book chapter
Creator (person)
Cao, Qin
Date published
July 19, 2018
Abstract
Large-scale bronze production is one of the most salient features of late Shang China (c.1200–1050 BC). Copper-alloy weapons were cast in extraordinary quantities and varieties as shown by the rich burial assemblages known from the period. However, their practical usages are not yet well-understood, and scholars speculate whether the weapons were functional implements or symbolic/prestige items. The chapter discusses the first wear analysis ever undertaken on Chinese Shang weaponry. The analysis has revealed a number of marks, which shed light on the manufacturing process, use, deposition and post-recovery alterations of the weapons. It has also challenged traditional typological classification of Shang weapons and argues for a holistic approach to weapon studies in Chinese archaeology.
Series name
Quantitative Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Book title
Prehistoric Warfare and Violence: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
Editor
Dolfini, A
Crellin, R
Horn, C
Uckelmann, E
Pagination
225-245
Publisher
Springer, Cham
Place of publication
London
Official URL