Two Black Nephrite Figurines from Independent Shamanic Tribes of Central–Southern China (Late Neolithic, ca. 3000–2000 BCE): Archaeological and Mineralogical Study

Author: Professor Nona Dronova, D.Sc.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4867-9074

Abstract

This article introduces two sculptures carved from black, slightly zonal nephrite (tremolite–actinolite amphibole group): a Totemic Boar and a Winged Mythical Creature (Bat).
Macroscopic description, micro-photography, and scanning electron microscopy of the patina, combined with comparative archaeological analysis of Late Neolithic centres such as Shijiahe (Hubei), Lingjiatan (Anhui), and middle Yellow River cultures, show that these objects are cult images of independent shamanic tribes of Central–Southern China.
The question of raw material provenance is addressed: mineralogical and historical data support local Late Neolithic sources of black nephrite in the Qinling–Henan belt and possibly the Shijiahe area of Hubei, rather than the classic Xiuyan deposits of the Hongshan culture in the northeast.

Keywords: black nephrite; tremolite–actinolite; Late Neolithic China; independent shamanic tribes; Shijiahe culture; Lingjiatan; Qinling–Henan nephrite sources; fertility cult; totemic boar; winged creature.

1. Introduction

Late Neolithic China was characterized by multiple independent centres of jade carving: the Hongshan culture of the northeast (Liaoning), the middle Yangzi basin (Shijiahe, Hubei), the middle and lower Yellow River regions (Dawenkou, Shandong; Longshan, Central Plains), and southern groups such as Lingjiatan (Anhui).
Modern studies emphasise a diversity of genetic nephrite types (S-type serpentinite-related and D-type dolomitic/metasomatic) and a regional autonomy of raw-material procurement.
The aim of this article is to present two black tremolite nephrite sculptures and to argue for their cultural and mineralogical attribution as products of independent shamanic tribes in Central–Southern China, relying on local Late Neolithic nephrite deposits and not on the northeastern Xiuyan supply typical for Hongshan.

2. Materials and Methods

Objects studied:
(A) Totemic Boar and (B) Winged Mythical Creature (Bat), both monolithic sculptures in black, slightly zonal tremolite–actinolite nephrite, with no perforations for suspension and intended for altar display.

Analytical approach:

• Macroscopic examination and high-resolution micro-photography.

• Scanning electron microscopy to confirm ancient burial patina (mineral crusts, micro-fissures).

• Mineralogical verification of tremolite–actinolite composition (XRD, XRF, LA-ICP-MS).

• Comparative archaeological analysis with published finds from Shijiahe, Lingjiatan, Dawenkou, and with the Hongshan culture as a contrasting model.

3. Results: Morphology and Technology

3.1 Totemic Boar

A compact horizontal figure emphasising the snout and tusk zone, with schematised limbs and slightly forward-projecting bulk.
Fine abrasive polishing with no modern tool marks; no suspension holes.
Iconographically the boar is a well-known totem of fertility and hunting. Similar altar-type sculptures are known from Shijiahe and Lingjiatan, which favour free-standing three-dimensional figures rather than pendant forms.

3.2 Winged Mythical Creature (Bat)

A frontal figure with outspread membrane-like wings and large protruding eyes, forming a stable base.
Soft abrasive polishing and even surface transitions; no drilling.
The image of a spirit-messenger between heaven and earth, linked to nocturnal and lunar cycles, is consistent with the shamanic cosmology of Late Neolithic Central China.

4. Discussion: Cultural Attribution and Raw-Material Source

4.1 Independent Shamanic Tribes of Central–Southern China

Comparison with Shijiahe (Hubei) and Lingjiatan (Anhui) shows:

• preference for volumetric altar figures,

• strong totemic animal and hybrid imagery,

• reliance on local nephrite resources,

• and developed ritual complexes.
  These traits differ from the Hongshan pattern of pendant S-shaped pig-dragons sourced from Xiuyan, indicating parallel rather than derivative development.

4.2 Geological Sources of Black Nephrite

Recent mineralogical and geochemical studies identify several Chinese regions rich in tremolite–actinolite nephrite (including dark and black varieties):

• Qinling–Henan belt (Luanchuan area): well-documented tremolite nephrite in dolomitic and skarn settings, with in-situ SIMS U–Pb dating. A key candidate for local sourcing of Late Neolithic jades in the Central Plains.

• Middle Yangzi (Hubei, Shijiahe area): archaeological and isotopic evidence supports local nephrite production, matching the cultural context of altar sculptures.

• Southern Guangxi (Dahua, Hechi): recently characterised D-type nephrite, including black varieties; while culturally more southern, it demonstrates the natural presence of black tremolite nephrite in China.

• Northeast (Xiuyan, Liaoning): classic Hongshan source including dark varieties, but its typical pendant-form jade is different from our altar-type sculptures.

The evidence therefore points to local Late Neolithic deposits in the Qinling–Henan belt and possibly the Shijiahe zone of Hubei as the most plausible sources of the black nephrite used for these two sculptures.

5. Conclusion

1. The Totemic Boar and Winged Mythical Creature are altar-type sculptures of black, slightly zonal tremolite–actinolite nephrite, created by independent shamanic tribes of Central–Southern China during the Late Neolithic (ca. 3000–2000 BCE).

2. Their morphology and symbolism demonstrate a parallel evolution of jade working in the middle Yellow River and middle Yangzi regions, distinct from the Hongshan culture.

3. Geological and mineralogical evidence strongly suggests local sourcing of black nephrite from the Qinling–Henan belt and/or Hubei (Shijiahe cultural sphere).

Appendix: Object Summaries

A. Totemic Boar – Black, slightly zonal tremolite–actinolite nephrite; compact horizontal form; no perforations; ancient patina confirmed by SEM.
B. Winged Mythical Creature (Bat) – Black, slightly zonal tremolite–actinolite nephrite; frontal figure with spread wings; no perforations; ancient patina confirmed by SEM.

Selected References

• Ling, X.X. et al. Age determination of nephrite by in-situ SIMS U–Pb dating (Luanchuan, Henan). Lithos 220–223 (2015): 289–299.

• Bai, F. et al. Mineralogy, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of green nephrite from Dahua, Guangxi. Ore Geology Reviews (2020).

• Zhang, Y. et al. Mineralogy and Sr-isotope characteristics of Dahua tremolite nephrite. Minerals 14(3) (2024): 257.

• Wang, R., Shi, X. Progress on the nephrite sources of jade artifacts in ancient China (isotopes). Frontiers in Earth Science (2022).

• Zhang, C. et al. Spatial-temporal distribution and genetic types of nephrite deposits in China. Frontiers in Earth Science (2023).

• Yu, X.Y. et al. Overview of Gemstone Resources in China. Crystals 11(10) (2021).

• Peterson, C.E. et al. Hongshan chiefly communities in Neolithic northeastern China. PNAS (2010).

• Shijiahe jade and urbanism overviews (various authors, 2021–2024).

• Larrivé-Bass, S. Jade for Bones in Hongshan Craftsmanship (2019).

License: Text © 2025 Nona Dronova — CC BY 4.0
Images © 2025 Nona Dronova — CC BY-SA 4.0