Research On Horse Forehead Plates From The Shang And Zhou Periods In Northern China

Since 1949, Shang and Zhou periods archaeology have had amazing developments, and many remains related to chariot and horses have been unearthed.Most of the research on horses and chariot from the Shang and Zhou period mainly focus on the origins of the chariots, driving techniques, chariot systems, etc, but so far, there has been no research on relatedd objects like horse forehead plates. In this study, the author gathered all the data published so far about horse forehead plates from the Shang and Zhou period in Northern China and the rare related previous research. On this basis, using typology analysis the horse forehead plates are identified and attributed to different types. They are then dated according to their archaeological context. This analysis sheds light on the development process of this type of artifact, which can be divided into two phases: Early to Middle Zhou period and Late Zhou to middle Warring States period. The author then analysis the spatial distribution of these objects during these two phases.According to this research, the author further explores the funerary deposits characteristics of the horse forehead plates and reconstruct the way these pieces were fixed on the horses, to finally discuss the nature of the other pieces of ornaments related to the horse forehead plates.