玉文化与史前文明化进程——江淮地区的历史证据

The Jade Culture and Process of Prehistoric Civilization: The Historical Evidences in Jianghuai Region

江淮地区地跨淮河、长江两大流域,在中华文明起源研究中占有重要的地位,新石器时代的玉文化,是当时该地区史前文化体系的一个重要组成部分。本研究选取考古材料,以史前重要遗址为例,结合历史学研究方法对这一地区的文明化进程略作探讨,梳理史前玉器功能的演变规律:玉器被大量用于祭祀和宗教活动;礼仪性用玉的逐步形成;玉器成为宗教活动中执事人员的重要辅助工具。由此得出如下结论:在距今约五六千年时,江淮地区开始了文明化的漫长进程,玉器在该地区文明化进程中起了重要作用。其一,墓葬中出土大量玉器并形成了祭坛,这是氏族社会从神权开始向王权过渡的重要标志;其二,大型中心聚落遗址的出现,可以视作该地区从氏族社会向文明社会过渡的重要标志,对研究早期国家的形成及文明的起源有非常重大的意义;其三,大量玉礼器的存在,不但是财富和权力的象征,更孕育了礼制文明。

Jianghuai area extends across two major valleys--the Yangtze River valley and the Yellow River val- ley, which plays an important role in the study on the origin of Chinese civilization. Neolithic jade culture is an inte- gral part of prehistoric culture system in this region. The archaeological data are selected and the important prehistoric sites are taken for example in the paper. The process of civilization in the region has been discussed by combining the research method of history. The developing principles of jade function are explored： jade has been widely used in rit- ual and religious activities, ceremonial jade has gradually formed, and jade has become an important auxiliary tool for the deacon personnel in religious activities. This paper draws the following conclusion： the long process of civilization started in Jianghuai area about five or six thousand years ago, in which jade has played an important role. Tombs un- earthed a large number of jade and formed the altar, which is an important symbol of transition from theocracy to kingship for clan society. The advent of＂ large center settlement site can be regarded as important sign of transition from the elan society to civil society in this region and is of great significance in studying on the formation of the early countries and the origins of civilization. The existence of a large number of jade vessels symbolizes wealth and power, and also gives birth to the ceremony civilization.