文物里的“中国”印记（文化中国行·文物有话说）

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the continuous and evolving nature of Chinese civilization, highlighting archaeological discoveries that reflect the early concepts of "China" and its cultural significance [2][3][5]. Group 1: Archaeological Discoveries - The Shanxi Xiangfen Taosi site has yielded the earliest known astronomical instrument, the gnomon, dating back approximately 4,300 to 4,000 years, showcasing early Chinese civilization's understanding of time and space [3][4]. - The Henan Yanshi Erlitou site is noted for the discovery of a turquoise dragon-shaped artifact, which is considered a significant representation of early Chinese royal power and craftsmanship, dating back around 3,800 to 3,500 years [6][7][8]. - The Shaanxi Baoji He Zun, a bronze ritual vessel from the early Western Zhou period, contains the earliest known written record of the term "China," indicating the political and cultural significance of the term during that era [9][10]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The concept of "China" evolved from a geographical notion to a cultural identity, as seen in the inscriptions and artifacts that reflect the integration of various cultural elements during the Zhou dynasty [10][11]. - The Hubei Wuhan Museum's Five-Breasted Divine Beast Mirror features the phrase "Chinese people," marking it as one of the earliest known instances of this term in physical artifacts, reflecting societal values and aspirations during the Han dynasty [13][14]. - The Xinjiang "Five Stars" woven armguard, discovered in the Niya site, illustrates the historical interactions and cultural exchanges among different ethnic groups in ancient China, emphasizing the unity and diversity of the Chinese civilization [15][16][17].