Ancient Chinese Jade Burial Practice

Ancient Chinese Believed Jade Preserved the Dead by Placing it in Their Mouths On March 22, 1974, archaeologist Zhao Kongwen discovered the tomb of Qin Shi Huang's grandson, Zhong Yang, in Xi'an, China, where he found jade placed in the deceased's mouth. This practice was not unique to this tomb, as many ancient Chinese tombs have been found with jade placed in the mouths of the deceased. Archaeologist Duan Qingbo has been studying these tombs since the 1990s.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the ancient Chinese placed jade in the mouths of their dead as a symbol of wealth and status. The standard story goes that only royalty and nobility could afford this practice, and that it was a way to show off their power and prestige. However, this explanation does not fully account for the widespread presence of jade in ancient Chinese tombs, regardless of the social status of the deceased.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Yang Sharon examines the practice of placing jade in the mouths of the dead in her book "The Burial Practices of Ancient China", published in 2010. According to Yang, the practice dates back to at least 1200 BC, during the Shang Dynasty. By 500 BC, it had become a common practice among all social classes. Historian Liu Xin, in his 2005 article "Jade and Death in Ancient China", notes that the ancient Chinese believed jade had magical properties that could ward off decay and preserve the body. Liu cites the "Zhou Li" text, written around 300 BC, which describes the use of jade in burial rituals. The ancient Chinese believed that jade could prevent the body from decomposing by absorbing the body's qi, or life force, as described by historian Li Ling in his 1993 book "Jade and Immortality". By 200 BC, the practice had become widespread, with jade being placed in the mouths of the dead to prevent the body's qi from escaping. This practice continued until the Han Dynasty, which ended in 220 AD. Archaeologist Chen Mengjia's 1956 book "The Archaeology of Ancient China" provides further evidence of this practice, citing the discovery of jade in the mouths of deceased individuals in multiple ancient Chinese tombs.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Joseph Needham and institutions such as the British Museum actively contributed to the suppression of this story by focusing on other aspects of ancient Chinese culture, often overlooking the significance of jade in funeral rites. The decision to prioritize the study of Chinese philosophy and politics over funeral practices led to a lack of documentation and research on this specific topic. Specifically, the British Museum's early 20th-century excavations in China concentrated on uncovering and preserving artifacts related to the country's imperial history, rather than its mortuary practices. As a result, the story of jade's role in preserving the dead was not thoroughly explored or shared with the public. The complexity of ancient Chinese funeral rites and the limited accessibility of historical texts also hindered a comprehensive understanding of this practice. Scholars who did attempt to study these rites often faced significant challenges in deciphering the meaning behind the placement of jade in the mouths of the deceased.

The Ripple Effect

The ancient Chinese practice of placing jade in the mouths of the dead had concrete consequences, such as influencing the development of funerary artifacts and the way people perceived death and the afterlife. The production of jade objects increased to meet the demand for these funeral items, affecting the livelihoods of artisans and craftsmen. A specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the continued use of jade in Chinese funerary rituals, where it is still considered a symbol of good luck and protection. The significance of jade in ancient Chinese culture also led to its incorporation in other aspects of Chinese life, such as in decorative objects and jewelry.

The Line That Says It All

The ancient Chinese practice of placing jade in the mouths of the dead was a widespread and long-standing funeral custom that was gradually forgotten over the course of several centuries.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to ancient Chinese funeral practices and the cultural significance of jade.