The “bird standing on platform”: semiotic inquiry and humanistic interpretations centering on the Liangzhu bird totem

Abstract As a sacred site providing concrete evidence of China’s 5,000-year civilization, the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City shine brightly among ancient cultures. In exploring early regional cultural memory and its restoration, inscribed symbols on precious artifacts offer crucial insights into the profound connotations of Liangzhu, which serve as vital indicators of its cultural sophistication as unique evidence of Liangzhu civilization. Grounded in semiotics and taking the bird totem as a point of departure, this study applies Charles S. Peirce’s triadic model of signs – icon, index, and symbol – to conduct a layered analysis of the materiality, social function, and cultural conventions embedded in the “Bird Standing on Platform” inscriptions, situating them within the dynamic process of “representamen-object-interpretant”. This article delves into the surface of the signs to reveal their cultural essence, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of this early civilization. Ultimately, it aims to enhance global recognition of the humanistic value of Liangzhu culture as a “golden national emblem,” thereby advancing the dialogue between Chinese and other ancient civilizations.