Utilization and exchange of jade in western China during the late Longshan Era (2300∼1800 BC): Evidence from Lajia site, Minhe County, Qinghai Province

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science 2024-10, Vol.170, p.106051, Article 106051
• Main Authors: Xu, Yiwen, Du, Zhanwei, Wang, Qianqian, Zhen, Qiang, Du, Wei, Ma, Qian, Yu, Mengzhou, Wang, Rong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cross-regional exchange; Jade utilization; Lajia site; Qijia culture; The late longshan era
• ISSN: 0305-4403
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2024.106051

During the Longshan Era, the production and use of jade, including bi-discs, cong-tubes, axes, and other artifacts, were prevalent in several regions situated along the middle and upper reaches of the Yellow River. The exchanges and interactions between them have been discussed by many scholars. Among these societies that valued jades, Ganqing region of Qijia Culture is regarded as a significant source of some valuable jade materials like nephrite. The non-destructive testing of jade artifacts excavated from the Lajia site, a central settlement of the Qijia culture, revealed a comparatively high proportion of nephrite, as well as a rich variety of materials. This demonstrates the acknowledgment and utilization of jade materials, particularly the valuable nephrite in the surrounding region. The availability of jade materials and uncomplicated jade processing created the conditions for household production of jade. Needs for ritual and exchange are considered as potiential driving force behind such production. Evidences of producing and using amazonite artifacts and trumpet-shaped tubes suggests long-distance exchange and influence of jade artifacts/materials. The circulation of nephrite materials may also have been embedded in this network of exchange. •Lajia site served as a center for nephrite utilization in the Western China.•Unearthed jade revealed a variety of jade materials and household production.•Find of amazonite raw materials underscores eastward flow of jade resources.•Lajia site played a crucial role in the jade exchange network during Longshan Era.