Two Approaches to Archaeological Jades: Source Characterization and Social Valuation

This collection contains the abstracts of the papers presented in the session entitled "Two Approaches to Archaeological Jades: Source Characterization and Social Valuation," at the 84th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Characterizing true jades by chemical variation rather than major mineral components has greatly improved in two decades. Unusual quantities of particular trace minerals (e.g. Wollastonite), elemental ratios (e.g. Mn/Fe), Rare Earth Elements (REE), and isotopes (e.g. strontium) are now known for several source deposits of jade in China. A few can be related to specific archaeological artefacts, though characterization of the latter is impeded by restrictions on destructive techniques. Papers in the first half-session address problems and advances in jade characterization, beginning with a consideration of the tectonic settings for the formation of the true jades: nephrite and jadeitite.

Globally, prehistoric jades have been valued for their specific characteristics, including hardness, colour, and beauty. Frequently used in a ceremonial context, jade practices took on new meanings as they were adopted through time and space. The second half of the session is a cross-regional comparison, representing different prehistoric jade cultures. Papers consider new approaches (for example use wear analysis) in understanding regional and temporal changes in social value, and the implications for the societies involved. Approaches concentrate on the life history of jades (aspects involving production, circulation, consumption, discovery), or on interpreting changes within a specific context.