From mines to tombs: decoding the journey of turquoise artifacts at the Xingong site (1500-1300 BC), Beijing

doi:10.1007/s12520-025-02216-4

IVPP-IR

	From mines to tombs: decoding the journey of turquoise artifacts at the Xingong site (1500-1300 BC), Beijing
	Chen, Dian 1,2; Yang, Ju 3; Han, Hongye 3; Zhang, Jihao 4; Li, Chao 4; Luo, Wugan 1,2
	2025-05-01
发表期刊	ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ISSN	1866-9557
卷号	17 期号:5 页码:15
通讯作者	Luo, Wugan(xiahua@ucas.ac.cn)
摘要	In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of turquoise artifacts excavated from the Xingong site in Beijing using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Initially, examination of polished facets and drilling marks revealed sophisticated ancient techniques. SEM observations identified characteristic mineral inclusions. Based on trace element concentrations, all the turquoise samples were classified as sedimentary metamorphic in origin. A detailed comparison of eight key trace elements (Ba, Cr, Mo, Ni, Sb, U, V, and Zn) allowed us to exclude several turquoise mining regions, pinpointing Shaanxi, Henan, and Hubei as likely sources. Due to generally low lead content, only one sample was suitable for lead isotope analysis. Therefore, we primarily employed strontium isotope analysis to further refine the provenance, ultimately confirming that the samples originated from the southern belt of the Hubei-Henan-Shaanxi turquoise mining area. Our findings highlight the significant role of turquoise in regional trade networks during the Shang Dynasty, emphasizing the Xingong site's importance in facilitating communication with the south. This research not only deepens our understanding of ancient craftsmanship and trade routes but also demonstrates the potential of integrating trace element and isotopic analyses in archaeological provenance studies, setting a precedent for future investigations.
关键词	Turquoise Beijing Isotope Trace element Source
DOI	10.1007/s12520-025-02216-4
收录类别	SCI
语种	英语
资助项目	China Postdoctoral Science Foundation ; Zhonghua from Beijing Institute of Archaeology
项目资助者	China Postdoctoral Science Foundation ; Zhonghua from Beijing Institute of Archaeology
WOS研究方向	Anthropology ; Archaeology ; Geology
WOS类目	Anthropology ; Archaeology ; Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
WOS记录号	WOS:001464932600003
出版者	SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
引用统计
文献类型	期刊论文
条目标识符	http://119.78.100.205/handle/311034/24689
专题	中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所
通讯作者	Luo, Wugan
作者单位	1.Univ Chinese Acad Sci, Dept Archaeol & Anthropol, Beijing 100049, Peoples R China 2.Chinese Acad Sci, Inst Vertebrate Paleontol & Paleoanthropol, Key Lab Vertebrate Evolut & Human Origin, Beijing 100044, Peoples R China 3.Beijing Inst Archaeol, Beijing 100009, Peoples R China 4.Natl Res Ctr Geoanal, Beijing 100037, Peoples R China
推荐引用方式 GB/T 7714	Chen, Dian,Yang, Ju,Han, Hongye,et al. From mines to tombs: decoding the journey of turquoise artifacts at the Xingong site (1500-1300 BC), Beijing[J]. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES,2025,17(5):15.
APA	Chen, Dian,Yang, Ju,Han, Hongye,Zhang, Jihao,Li, Chao,&Luo, Wugan.(2025).From mines to tombs: decoding the journey of turquoise artifacts at the Xingong site (1500-1300 BC), Beijing.ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES,17(5),15.
MLA	Chen, Dian,et al."From mines to tombs: decoding the journey of turquoise artifacts at the Xingong site (1500-1300 BC), Beijing".ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES 17.5(2025):15.