Jade artefacts
I can describe some of the things archaeologists have learnt about the Shang Dynasty from looking at their jade artefacts.
Jade artefacts
I can describe some of the things archaeologists have learnt about the Shang Dynasty from looking at their jade artefacts.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Archaeologists have used the Shang Dynasty's jade artefacts to try to understand their lives.
- Jade is too hard to be carved and instead must be worn away, taking great skill and patience.
- The large number of ornamental jade weapons found suggests how important warfare was to the Shang Dynasty.
- The Shang Dynasty made many real and imaginary animal figurines out of jade, including the mythical taotie.
- Mingqi are jade figures of servants, which were buried in the tombs of the wealthy to serve them in the afterlife.
Common misconception
Some might assume that jade is always green in colour.
Jade is a natural stone and so the colour varies greatly. It can appear as many colours including black, brown, yellow, white, green and blue. Different colours have been more desirable at different points in Chinese history.
Keywords
Ornamental - something that is ornamental is used for decoration
Taotie - the taotie is a mythical animal-like creature that is often used as decoration on items
Mingqi - mingqi are jade figures of servants, which were buried in the tombs of the wealthy to serve them in the afterlife
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
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a mythical animal that is often used as decoration
jade figures of servants