Core Insights - The discovery of the Yancun site in Shanxi Province reveals significant archaeological findings from the Neolithic and Xia-Shang periods, including the first-ever discovery of a clan emblem from the Late Shang period [1][4] - The site provides crucial insights into the culture of the Shang Dynasty in the Jin Nan region, with a rich array of artifacts, particularly pottery, indicating a shift towards more practical uses in daily life [4][19] Archaeological Findings - The Yancun site is located approximately 4 kilometers from the ancient Yuncheng Salt Lake, suggesting it was a settlement for small to medium nobility during the Shang Dynasty, strategically positioned along transportation routes [22] - The excavation revealed a variety of pottery, including ding (tripod cauldrons), gui (basin), and jars, which were the most commonly found artifacts, reflecting the daily life and burial customs of the time [8][15] - The presence of bronze and jade ritual vessels in two tombs indicates the status of the individuals buried there, suggesting they belonged to a small noble class [19] Cultural Significance - The clan emblem discovered, featuring the ancient character "亚" and a motif resembling a sprouting seedling, is believed to represent a family with military authority, marking a significant find in archaeological studies [4] - The artifacts, particularly the pottery, are seen as a reflection of the deceased's life, adhering to the Shang belief of "treating the dead as the living" [5] - The findings provide important clues regarding the ancient salt industry in Yuncheng, highlighting the community's engagement in resource development and management [23]

近日，山西省考古研究院对外公布长治市高新区明代早期家族墓地发掘资料，考古人员发现墓地明堂与壁龛和壁面图像有对应关系，为研究明代早期丧葬制 度提供了新材料。 出土器物 经考古人员考古发掘，该墓地出土瓷盏、瓷碗、陶盆、陶盘、陶香炉等器物，由于此次发掘未见墓志、题记等文字资料，考虑到出土有"洪武通宝"铜钱，此 处墓地的年代上限不会超过公元1368年；再综合墓葬形制、装饰艺术、随葬器物来分析，其年代应当去元不远，宜定为明代初年。从墓葬建造规模及随葬器 物分析，考古人员推测该墓地应为当地富户或是中小官吏，为研究明代早期丧葬制度提供了新材料。 长治高新区明代早期家族墓地位于山西长治潞州区北环西街与西环路交叉口往北约500米处。2020年底，山西省文物勘测中心在长治高新区起步区西环路市 政道路工程项目用地范围内勘探出地下文化遗存。 △墓室内景北壁 △墓室内景南壁 2021年6月至7月，山西省考古研究院、长治市文物保护研究中心（长治市考古研究所）联合对勘探出的地下文化遗存进行发掘，其中发现3座砖室壁画墓和1 处明堂。根据墓葬形制与出土器物推测3座墓葬为明代早期家族墓葬。明堂位于3座墓葬的南侧，应为此家族墓地的祭祀明堂。 （总 ...