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Weapons in late Shang (c.1250-1050 BCE) China : beyond typology and ritual
Author
Title
Weapons in late Shang (c.1250-1050 BCE) China : beyond typology and ritual / Qin Cao.
ISBN
1003112048 (electronic bk.)
9781003112044 (electronic bk.)
036763077X
0367630842
9780367630775
9780367630843
Publication
Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2023.
Copyright Notice Date
©2023
Physical Description
1 online resource (xvii, 238 pages : : illustrations, maps.)
Local Notes
Access is available to the Yale community.
Notes
Description based on print version record.
Access and use
Access restricted by licensing agreement.
Summary
"Weapons in Late Shang (c.1250-1050 BCE) China explores the large quantities of bronze and jade weapons, such as dagger-axes, spears and arrows, found at the World Heritage site of Yinxu, the late Shang capital located near today's Anyang city in central China Qin Cao's innovative research presents new insights into these weapons, moving beyond perceptions of them being primarily symbols of power and rank. It further challenges the dominant interpretations of this Chinese Bronze Age period as being ritual-centric. Through the lens of weapons, this book argues for the significance of martial prowess and leadership within late Shang society. The author considers Shang weapons from an object biographical perspective, tracing their life histories for the first time. This book synthesises archaeological data, scientific analyses, and inscriptions on oracle bones and bronzes, uncovering a more nuanced understanding of the complex roles weapons played in society. What traces of evidence can be detected on weapons that demonstrate their ability to cause bodily harm? Why were tens of thousands of weapons placed in tombs? What led to certain individuals, including high-ranking royal females, being buried with weapons? This book will of interest to academics, students (both undergraduates and postgraduates) and researchers in archaeology, particularly those focused on China, East Asia or comparative studies, as well as a more general readership in Chinese archaeology"-- Provided by publisher.
Variant and related titles
Taylor & Francis. EBA 2024-2025.
Other formats
Original
Online version: Cao, Qin. Weapons in late Shang (c.1250-1050 BCE) China Abingdon, Oxon ; New York : Routledge, 2022
Format
Books / Online
Language
English
Added to Catalog
August 07, 2024
Series
Routledge studies in Chinese archaeology
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents
An Object Biography Approach to Shang Weapons
The Shang, the Anyang Site and Weaponry
The Rebirth of Late Shang Weapons in the Context of Archaeological Practices
Metalwork Wear Analysis of Shang Weapons
Forming Shang Weapons
Providing for the Deceased: Weaponry Assemblages in Tombs and their Previous Lives
Weapons in Late Shang Society
Chinese Glossary
Appendix E: Distribution of Weapons in Elite Tombs' Coffins
Appendix F: An Inventory of Fuhao tomb, Huayuanzhuang M54, Guojiazhuang M160 and Xibeigang M1004
Appendix G: Tombs with Weapons from 2004 Dasikong Area and 2003-2004 Xiaomintun Area
Appendix H: Chariots with Bronze and/or Bone Weapons.
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