Liangzhu Culture: Rewriting History

In the Stone Age, jade represented wealth because of its scarcity and the advanced techniques required to shape it. Among various kinds of recovered jade wares, ritual vessels were the most valuable and symbolized higher social status. Each kind had distinct purposes. Bi (disc), for example, were used in heaven worship rites. Cong (tube), with their taotie motifs, suggest a supreme religious authority. Yue (axe) symbolized military power.

Archaeologists have located nearly 100 new Liangzhu cites in recent years, including villages, cemeteries and altars. Bi, cong and yue jades were excavated in most cemeteries for nobility, but they vary in size and quantity. The M12 tomb at the highest point of the Fanshan site produced around 500 pieces of jade ritual vessels, including bi, cong and yue – representing a person with sovereign, religious and military power. But who occupied the M12 tomb? A clan leader? A high priest? A chief commander?

Most likely, it was a king.