The excavation of Tongmuling zinc-smelting site in Guiyang County, Hunan Province

Abstract

In 2016, the Tongmuling metallurgical site was excavated, by which the multi-metal smelting remains centered by zinc-smelting ones were recovered, including zinc-smelting furnaces, calcining platforms, house foundations, storage cellars, mud-kneading pits, refining stoves, etc., and associated house foundations, from which smelting implements such as retorts, condensers, condensing bags, condensing bag lids, refining pots, cushions and iron rods, as well as utensils for daily use were unearthed. This site is the best-preserved zinc-smelting site found to date in China having the clearest structure and functions and yielding the richest artifacts, which is very meaningful for the researches on the arrangements, functions and smelting techniques of the zinc-production sites of ancient China.