| In recent years,there has been a gradual release of tomb materials of the Western Zhou Dynasty showcasing unique features such as Hengshui,Dahekou,and Jucun.This development has provided a conducive environment for systematic analysis of the characteristics of the Rongdi ethnic groups in the southern region of Shanxi Province of the Western Zhou Dynasty and their connection with the Zhou Dynasty.To this end,this paper is structured into five chapters that delve into this discussion.The first chapter serves as an introduction to this paper.Firstly,it provides an explanation of the relevant concepts of "Rongdi" and "Huaxia," as well as the criteria used to determine the ethnic affiliation of this study.Additionally,it outlines the temporal and spatial scope of the research,and highlights the natural factors such as climate and resources that have an impact on population relations within this scope.Finally,the chapter sorts out pertinent archaeological discoveries and research findings that will be relevant to this study.The second chapter of this work pertains to the dating of burial materials.We have meticulously examined the age of bronze tombs,which have already been detailed in previous publications,utilizing complete information from the tombs.As a result,we have divided these tombs into three phases,each containing six sections.In addition,we have chosen and included bronze tombs with complete combinations of incomplete burial information from catalogues like Bronze Vessels Collection of Peng State and Bronze Vessels Collection of Ba State into our staging system.Pottery tombs discovered in Qucun and other locations have been separated into three phases,coinciding with the three phases of bronze tombs,based on previous research results.In chapter three,we examine the distinctive features of tombs.Building on the insights gained in the second chapter,we explore the historical development and evolution of burial practices among the Rongdi ethnic group,examining diachronic changes such as burial levels,cemetery layout,tomb orientation,waist pits,burial styles,martyrdom,and tomb buildings.Furthermore,we analyze the cultural factors that are reflected in the burial customs and artifacts of the Rongdi ethnic group’s tombs,tracing their compositional evolution.Our analysis shows that,in the Rongdi ethnic group’s tombs,Zhou cultural factors have always been the predominant influence and have even been reinforced over time.In contrast,Shang culture and northern factors have gradually declined in importance,while indigenous culture and surrounding cultural factors have only played a sporadic role.Chapter Four examines the cathayization of the Rongdi ethnic group.Using a multidimensional approach that combines archaeological discoveries,inscriptions on bronzes,and historical documents,including military alliances,economic relations,and ritual practices,this chapter analyzes the process of the Rongdi people’s integration into the Huaxia system of the Western Zhou Dynasty.Furthermore,this chapter explores the reasons for the decline of the Huaxia Rongdi ethnic group in the late Western Zhou Dynasty,examining the environmental and resource factors that contributed to their downfall.It is argued that during the early and middle period of the Western Zhou Dynasty,the Kui surname Rongdi,who lived in southern Shanxi,enjoyed a high status due to military and economic factors,and was not a vassal of the Jin Marquis.However,by the late Western Zhou Dynasty,they were suppressed by the Jin State,and subsequent generations formed a historical memory that the "Huaixing Jiuzong" belonged to the Marquis of Jin.The final chapter of this article is dedicated to the conclusion.It offers a comprehensive summary of the main points covered in the preceding chapters,along with a critical evaluation of the research process,conclusions,and methodologies.Furthermore,we offer some reflections and perspectives on the limitations of the research,highlighting areas for future investigation. |
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