Food, Rituals, and Beliefs: Multiple Interpretations of Plants unearthed from Tombs of Chu State—The example of Zanthoxylum bungeanum

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum, a vital component of ancient Chinese culinary life, has been unearthed from many tombs associated with the Chu state. As a prominent funerary offering, it is presumed to hold distinct roles and functions within the burial context. The presence of Zanthoxylum bungeanum alongside various fruit remains underscores its multifaceted significance as a food item, serving functions in cooking, seasoning, and alcoholic beverage production. When found in conjunction with cinnabar, it likely played a significant role in shamanistic ritual ceremonies. On one hand, it contributed to the warding off malevolent forces, while on the other hand, it bore connections to the Chu state's religious beliefs regarding soul guidance and convergence. The fragrant aroma of Zanthoxylum bungeanum had the capacity to invoke spirits, thus its inclusion in burials could facilitate communication with divine entities. Zanthoxylum bungeanum, within Chu culture, served as both a delectable ingredient and an essential element in rituals and beliefs, with its functions and symbolic meanings permeating various facets of ancient Chu civilization, reflecting the profound understanding and reverence of the natural world and the spiritual realm by the Chu people.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 41655.0