Metal Trade and National Integration: bronze technology and metal resources of Yue Style Bronzes from Hunan (8 ~ 5 C. BCE)

Abstract A large number of Yue style bronzes with regional cultural characteristics were unearthed in Hunan, which is great significance for studying the cross-regional circulation bronze technology and metal resources south Yangtze River during Late Bronze Age (8 ~ 5 C. BCE) China. In this study, 30 3 Chu from five regions Hunan Province analyzed chemical composition, metallography lead isotopes. The results show that alloy materials ware are diverse. containers mainly leaded tin bronze, both copper. weapons or tools mostly composition primarily tin. isotope ratio analysis showed three main ore sources: polymetallic deposits Nanling Mountains, eastern Hubei-northern Jiangxi metallogenic belt western Henan Qinling-Dabie belt. extensive source minerals reflects frequent trade between people state, not only economic basis close relationship State but also an important driving force southward expansion state national integration Hunan.