Research on Craftwork and Use of Jade Jues Unearthed from Henglingshan Site in Guangdong Province

The tombs of Henglingshan site in Shang and Zhou periods are the most significant ones in whole and sum before Qin Dynasty from Boluo county,Guangdong Province,as well as one of the ten crucial archaeological discoveries in 2000 in China.According to the characteristics of craftwork and micromark of quartzitic jade jues unearthed from the ancient tombs of Henglingshan site,in particular to a pair of the fine jade jues from the tomb M177,it is conjectured that the jade jues are made by the natives and the technology is employed in which fixed revolving axis in the centre when drilling a hole in jade materials,and the special fixed tools and rigid polishing materials would be used also in cutting and polishing processes.On the basis of infared transmission spectrum analysis,the jade ware is believed to be polished with wax for its outstanding appearance in the first time and is the first case which its surface is enhanced with wax until now in China.It is affirmed that the jade jues unearthed from the tomb M177 and from others in Henglingshan site are some kinds of ancient jewelry and ceremony symbols which stand for fortune,not only earring ornaments.