New scientific analysis reveals the independent bronze production system of indigenous Yue Group in Southern China during early Western Zhou period

Abstract

The bronze production system of local indigenous groups in Southern China is the focus of Chinese Bronze Age research. In this paper, we analyzed the chemical composition, metallographic microstructure and lead isotope ratio of eighteen Yue-type bronzes unearthed from the Shishijiang site in Xiangxiang County, Hunan Province. The results showed that the Shishijiang bronzes were mainly made of Cu-Sn-Pb materials, with a small proportion of bronzes made of Cu-Pb materials, Cu-Sn materials and Cu-Sn-As-Sb materials. The manufacturing techniques of Shishijiang bronzes were mainly casting, and a small number of bronzes were heated after casting. In addition, the lead isotope data of Shishijiang bronzes all showed the characteristics of common lead, and their distribution range were very concentrated. The Cu, Sn, and Pb materials used in Shishijiang bronzes were probably all from the Southern Hunan region, and the metal minerals of Southern Hunan were widely used in Yue-type bronzes, Chu-style mirrors, and Tang-period coins unearthed from Hunan. Although the Shishijiang bronzes were influenced by the Central Plain culture of the late Shang and early Zhou Dynasties, the pattern of metal mineral use was significantly different from that of bronzes unearthed from the Western Zhou royal region and feudal vassal states. This suggested that the Hunan Yue Group had a relatively independent bronze production system in early Western Zhou period, providing new insight into bronze technology development and extensive cultural interactions in Southern China.