Connecting Subutun and Anyang: the movement of metal resources in the Late Shang period

Abstract Subutun Cemetery in Shandong is the cornerstone for understanding Shang Dynasty’s expansion and governance over eastern frontiers. Our study analyzes over 70 Late Shang bronzes from Subutun cemetery to investigate their manufacturing techniques and resource utilization. Results show these artifacts were primarily cast from leaded bronze, preferring a “customized-by-function” alloying strategy: high-tin formulas for chariot accessories and wine vessels, and high-lead formulas for weapons and food vessels. ICP-AES results reveal elevated iron and arsenic contents, alongside impurities such as zinc and antimony, likely introduced via lead or copper ores. Lead isotope results reveal that Subutun bronzes predominantly relied on common lead resources consistent with contemporaneous Anyang bronzes, with no evidence of local resource exploitation. These phenomena imply Subutun was integrated into the Shang Dynasty’s metal resource network. Subutun bronzes were likely produced in capital workshops, reflecting the Shang’s profound political control and cultural integration over its eastern frontiers.