Research on the Structure of Music and Instrument Culture and Social Functions during the Shang and Zhou Dynasties

Author: Fang Jianjun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: This book is a study on the cultural structure and social functions of Shang and Western Zhou musical instruments unearthed in China. It primarily utilizes unearthed musical instruments and related archaeological materials, supplemented by ancient literary records, to explore the diverse structures and social functions of Shang-Zhou music culture. Based on the geographical distribution and archaeological cultural connotations of Shang-Zhou musical instruments unearthed so far, the book divides the period into seven musical cultural zones: Central Plains, Northwest, Northern, Eastern, Western Zhou, Southern, and Southeastern. The musical instruments unearthed in each zone belong to different states, ethnic groups, or archaeological cultural communities of the time. Through comparative analysis of the forms, combinations, and musical properties of unearthed instruments across regions, the book explores the musical cultural factors embedded in each zone's instruments, reflects on the regional musical cultural characteristics, and examines the interactions and mutual relationships between the musical cultural zones.
The book points out that Shang-Zhou music culture primarily developed in the "two rivers" (Yellow River and Yangtze River) regions, created jointly by multiple regions and ethnic groups, with multiple centers of development. Together, the musical cultural zones formed a diverse structure of Shang-Zhou music culture. Within this diverse structure, the Central Plains music culture played a central and dominant role. Other regional music cultures maintained their independent development, coexisting and thriving alongside the Central Plains music culture while interacting with it.
Based on unearthed musical instruments and combined with records from oracle bone inscriptions, bronze inscriptions, and ancient classics, the book discusses the sacrificial and ceremonial functions of Shang-Zhou musical instruments. Regarding the sacrificial function, the book examines the excavation contexts and burial methods of instruments to argue their relationship with sacrificial activities, while also exploring the decorative motifs and their metaphors, the role of instruments in rain-making and ancestral rites, and their assistance in sacrificial ceremonies.
Concerning the ceremonial function, the book primarily discusses three aspects: the formation of Shang-Zhou ceremonial music systems, the actors in these systems, and the material forms of these systems. The book points out that the social functions of Shang-Zhou musical instruments far exceeded mere musical performance—they combined the functions of playing music, enforcing laws, and conducting rituals, serving as musical instruments, legal implements, and ceremonial vessels. Music served the belief activities and social systems of the Shang-Zhou period and had a close relationship with the political system of the time, holding an undeniable position, role, and significance in society.