“小子”通释

An Interpretation of the Term Xiao-Zi

"小子"一词金文习见,其具体内涵,主要有表谦称、他称、小宗族长和职官等四个方面,其中表职官名时,系一种泛称,主要包括祭祀、军事、教育等不同职务。

The term Xiao-Zi, often found in the inscriptions on the ancient bronze objects, usually has four meanings: a modest appellation, an appellation referring to others, the patriarch of a small clan or a government official. When used to refer to an official position, it is a general term which may refer to the positions in charge of sacrifice, military affairs, education or others.