棺椁制度的产生和演变述论

Formation and Evolution of the Inner and Outer Coffin System

棺、椁出现于新石器时代中期晚段,象征墓主生前的居室。棺椁制度是社会阶层分化的结果,是身份、地位的标识。棺椁制度在龙山文化晚期的环太湖和海岱地区形成。经过夏、商、西周的发展,在春秋中晚期至战国早期形成了多重棺椁制度,这种制度延续到西汉,发展出外藏椁、黄肠题凑等形式,并出现椁的替代形式——崖洞墓和砖室墓。西汉中晚期多重棺椁制度衰落,棺椁从此不再作为身份的主要标志。

Inner and outer coffin, symbolising the housing condition of the owner when he is alive, originated from the late Middle Neolithic period. Inner and outer coffin system is a result of social stratification, and is a symbol for identity and social status. The system was formed in the Taihu and Haidai area in the late period of the Longshan culture. After its development during the Xia, Shang, and Western Zhou Dynasty, it became a multiinner and outer coffin system. This system continued until the Western Han Dynasty and formed outer outercoffin, cypress outer coffin with the timber headed-in and other forms. Besides, the cliff cave tomb and brick-chambered tomb as substitutions for the outer coffin appeared. Inner and outer coffin was no longer the main symbol of identity because multi-inner and outer coffin system dwindled since the middle and late period of the Western Han Dynasty.