New insights on the origin of fired steatite beads in China

Abstract

Glazed steatite beads represent one of the earliest vitreous materials, and their appearance and diffusion signal prehistoric important developments of technology exchange and globalization. However, little is known about their early spread in East Asia. In this study, we present a comprehensive characterization of glazed/fired steatite beads unearthed from the Xiaohe Cemetery (1980-1450 BCE) in northwest China using multi-analysis techniques. In particular, the potential of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for rapid and in situ characterization of fired steatite beads is demonstrated. The remaining glaze is successfully identified by SEM-EDS and optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that these beads were fired and exhibit some connections with the Indus Valley, thereby proposing a potential spread route of artifacts and technology from the Indus Valley to northwest China. Moreover, the introduction of fired steatite beads and faience beads into China has presented different spread patterns, which were linked to climate change. When fired steatite and faience beads were introduced into central China, they played a significant role in the ritual revolution during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BCE).