Diversity underlying uniformity? A case study of iron implements from Han tombs in Youxian, Hunan, and regional patterns of the iron industry in Southern China

Abstract This study presents the analytical results of iron implements from Han tombs in the Youxian area of eastern Hunan, a region within the southern territories of the Han empire that has received limited attention in archaeological and archaeometallurgical research. The findings indicate that most of these objects were made using the solid-state decarburization of cast iron. Two objects containing slag inclusions were identified within the assemblage, though further study is required to confirm their manufacturing techniques. The results reveal a manufacturing system primarily based on cast iron technology. Despite the small sample size, comparison with analytical results from other areas in present-day Hunan demonstrates that iron implements from this region were predominantly manufactured using the solid-state decarburization of cast iron, with relatively scarce evidence of fined iron. This pattern contrasts with contemporary findings from Lingnan, which include not only bloomery iron but also a higher proportion of objects potentially related to fined iron. The factors underlying these regional variations are discussed, highlighting the importance of additional case studies to better understand the “mosaic” of the iron-making techniques across the southern frontiers of the Han empire.