Graves M63 and M235 of the Shang Dynasty in the Qijiazhuang area of Yinxu, located within a family cemetery for jade artisans, reveal the identities of the tomb occupants through inscriptions on accompanying bronze ritual vessels. The occupant of M63 held the official titles of "Kui Fuo" and "Jia Fuo"during their lifetime, indicating their responsibility for the production and distribution of implements related to ritual vessels, while also holding a martial identity. The occupant of M235 hailed from a family of jade artisans, known as the "Jade People, " and was a jade worker by profession. Their ancestors had held positions related to ritual vessels, establishing connections with the bronze-casting family of the Kui clan or expanding business ventures into the domain of bronze production. During the Shang Dynasty, the distinction between "noble" and "commoner" had not yet emerged on a societal scale, and individuals' social status was determined primarily within their own families. The titles of official positions during the Shang Dynasty could be hereditary, but not necessarily indicative of true official succession, often serving as surnames through the practice of "using official titles as family names."
Qijiazhuang in the Yin RuinsM63 and M235Tomb occupant identities
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维普
