再论棺衽与小腰

Re-exploration of Guanren and Xiaoyao

棺衽作为先秦时期棺束的重要组成部分,通常被认为是小腰,也就是榫卯结构中的蝴蝶榫。该文综合文献与考古发现,认为两者非同一种器物。棺衽是麻绳棺束交叉处绕绳系结的结构,小腰是榫卯结构中的蝴蝶榫。考古发现中出土较多的类小腰器物应为绞具或绳扣。

Guanren,a wooden tenon,was an important component on each belt,or rope,used to bind the coffin lid and the casket.Generally,it is regarded as Xiaoyao,i.e.a buttefly-shaped tenon of a mortise-and-tenon joint.In this article,however,by referring to documents and examining archaeological evidence,the author has come to the conclusion that Guanren and Xiaoyao are not the same kind of utensils.Guanren is the knot tied where one hemp rope,holding together the coffin lid and the casket,crosses another.Xiaoyao is a butterfly-shaped tenon of a mortise-and-tenon joint.Excavated Xiaoyao-like objects should be tackles or cord fasteners.