Information of JADE from Neolithic period to Han dynasty - Research Paper Example

Previously, history has not recorded the use of metals by humans in any concrete sense. Therefore, China can be seen as a pioneer that ushered in the transformation in this era around 7000 BC though this process of change dates back to a much earlier phase in time. As there is no written evidence, much is not known about who these people were, what language they spoke, and what social norms they followed. However, evidence throughout the history shows that jade remained a major influence in Chinese culture and civilization in the Neolithic period, transcending to the Han Dynasty and beyond.

Evidence unearthed from many sites in the form of houses, burials, pottery, and tools suggests the distinction of different cultures through various artifacts. While the earlier settlements flourished all over mainland China, in the north the provinces of Henan, Hebai and eastern and southern Shaanxi thrived with the Peligang and Cishan Cultures. In the central and western province, along the Yellow river and its tributary the Wei, Yangzi and its tributaries, the Yangshao culture (c.4800-4300BC) with its distinguished painted potteries, and later the Majiayao culture (c.

2500-2200BC) inhabited. In the east at Hemudu (c.5000BC) near Hangzhou and adjoining regions, an amalgam of different cultures came into prominence. In these cultures, especially in the eastern ones where specialization was intensive, the devotion to jade work and fine ceramics were cultivated with an affinity towards various rituals and ceremonies. Thus, jade was extensively used in creating different versions of weapons, tools that came hardy on everyday life. Besides, decorative items and ceramics were elaborately used in the formation of high pierced stands and lobed bodies of aesthetic and artistic value.

When dwelling on the culture of jade in the Chinese history, a mentioning of the Hongshan societies in the