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.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
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
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.
To help you plan your year 3 history lesson on: Jade artefacts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 history lesson on: Jade artefacts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the The Shang: What have archaeologists found out about them? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a mythical animal that is often used as decoration
jade figures of servants