A Pilot Study of Shell Ornaments From the Gebusailu Site in Xizang, China

ABSTRACT Shell ornaments excavated from the Gebusailu Site in the Xizang Autonomous Region of China, dating back to 750 BC , were analyzed to study their geographic origin, manufacturing process and preservation state. Concretely, they were investigated by ultra‐depth microscope (SDM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). The results showed that the raw materials of the shell ornaments possibly came from the coast of the Indian Ocean and were processed by cutting, grinding and drilling. In addition, the shell ornaments are slightly powdered and consolidation treatment is necessary. This paper provides important evidence for the cross‐regional exchange among prehistoric Xizang with adjacent regions and valuable information about esthetics and cultural taste of the ancient Tibetan ethnic group.