Typology and lead source diversity of late Shu bronze jin from Shuangyuan village cemetery

The decorative patterns on bronze jin from the late Shu culture in Southwest China are considered by archaeologists to possibly represent production emblems of specific workshops. This study investigates bronze jins from the Shuangyuan Village Cemetery in Southwest China using the typology, pXRF, and MC-ICP-MS methods. The bronze jin can be categorized into Type Aa-c and B, four types based on their typological characteristics and production emblems. Type Ab and B show significant differences in overall length. All types of bronze jin are high-tin bronzes. The lead sources for Type Ab bronze jin are more diverse compared to those of other types. This research refines the understanding of the workshop-level production differences of technological choices and resource acquisition within the late Shu culture.