Cemetery of the Ying State in Pingdingshan

The book Cemetery of the Ying State in Pingdingshan (Vol. I, Parts 1 & 2) (Hardcover Version), compiled by the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology and the Pingdingshan Municipal Bureau of Cultural Heritage, is the first volume in the multi-volume field archaeology report series, Cemetery of the Ying State in Pingdingshan. It includes records of early to mid-Western Zhou Dynasty aristocratic tombs at the site, along with relevant materials on bronzeware attributed to the Ying State from historical collections. The compilation follows a structure organized by individual tombs and arranged in chronological order. A brief summary is provided for each tomb, and concluding remarks are offered after every chronological phase of burials. Additionally, the report includes interdisciplinary research articles from both social and natural sciences, ensuring a clear hierarchy and well-organized presentation. In terms of content, in addition to providing a detailed account of the excavation findings, this report explores key historical aspects of the Ying State, including its initial fiefdom, its first ruler, governance over the remnants of the Shang people, relocation to Pingdingshan, and military campaigns against the Southern Huaiyi tribes. It also offers a preliminary study of the distinctive characteristics of early to mid-Western Zhou bronze culture and the Zhou Dynasty's ritual system. Furthermore, the report includes a scientific analysis on the composition and manufacturing techniques of excavated artifacts.

The compilation of Cemetery of the Ying State in Pingdingshan (Vol. I, Parts 1 & 2) (Hardcover Version) is distinctive in its approach. It provides an in-depth analysis of the archaeological findings from the cemetery and introduces a new format for artifact charts, enhancing comparative studies between objects and making the content more accessible to history and archaeology enthusiasts. Notably, the report also gives due attention to often-overlooked artifact categories, such as chariot fittings, weapons, bone tools, and shell ornaments, conducting typological and chronological studies on these items. This comprehensive approach is a rare and valuable aspect of the work.