DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18683121
title: East Asian Prehistoric Human-Face Jade Form 10 (EANJ_FACE_10):
High-Resolution Digital Documentation of Morphology, Perforations, Surface Evolution, and Tool Traces

description: 1. Core Statement

1.1 This record contains high-resolution original visual data of a jade object with a human-face form (Form ID: EANJ_FACE_10).

1.2 As a foundational scientific component of the digital archiving initiative for this specimen, this dataset provides high-fidelity visual evidence intended to support morphological analysis, traceological studies, and materials science–related research.

1.3 The digital documentation of this object forms part of an expanding dataset designed to serve as a citable baseline for future cross-object comparative research. No cross-sample comparative interpretation is undertaken at the present stage.

 

2. Access and Use Conditions

2.1 Access RestrictionsFor reasons of data security and adherence to academic standards, the high-resolution original files in this dataset are subject to restricted access.

2.2 Application RequirementsApplicants are required to submit a clearly defined research purpose and institutional affiliation via the Zenodo platform.

2.3 Use LimitationsThis dataset is intended exclusively for academic research, visual documentation, and comparative analysis. Without explicit authorization from the dataset publisher, any form of commercial use, non-academic dissemination, or reproduction beyond academic comparative purposes is strictly prohibited.

 

3. Dataset Composition

3.1 Overview DocumentationHigh-resolution photographs of the front and reverse views documenting the overall proportions and geometric structure of the object.

3.2 Measurement ReferenceImages including a metric scale for quantitative reference.



Length: 5.2 cm

Width: 4.3 cm

Thickness: 0.6 cm

Weight: 32 g


3.3 Microscopic EvidenceHigh-magnification macro images documenting perforation morphology, micro-weathering features, and observable surface modifications.

 

4. List of Object Images

This dataset includes the following high-resolution images:



EANJ_FACE_10_FRONT: Front view documenting facial morphology and overall proportions

EANJ_FACE_10_REVERSE: Reverse view documenting rear contour morphology

EANJ_FACE_10_WITH_SCALE: Scaled view including a metric scale for dimensional reference

EANJ_FACE_10_MIC_UNIF_UP_FRONT: Front macro view documenting the morphology of the top perforation

EANJ_FACE_10_MIC_UNIF_UP_REVERSE: Reverse macro view documenting the morphology of the top perforation

EANJ_FACE_10_MIC_REVERSE_BH: Reverse macro view documenting drilling features

EANJ_FACE_10_MIC_SUR_REVERSE: Reverse macro view documenting surface pitting morphology


 

5. Observed Morphological and Structural Features

5.1 The object presents an ovoid, flattened volume with rounded edges. The vertical dimension slightly exceeds the horizontal, and the overall layout demonstrates axial symmetry.

5.2 Eye FeaturesThe eyes are expressed by two symmetrical circular shallow drilled depressions (non-through perforations). The eye contours are delineated by almond-shaped (date-pit-shaped) shallow incised lines, which converge toward the center at the inner eye corners.

5.3 Nose and Mouth FeaturesThe nostrils are represented by two small circular depressed drill marks. Shallow incised lines extend downward along both sides of the nasal bridge, connecting the eye corners.The mouth is expressed by three circular depressed drill marks arranged in an arc and connected by a continuous curved incised line.

5.4 Top FeatureA circular through-perforation is located at the top center of the forehead area.

5.5 Reverse FeaturesThe reverse surface exhibits a bimodal visual distribution:



Upper section: Approximately half of the surface is covered by dense yellow-brown to dark-brown deep erosion pits, with features suggestive of mineral crystallization or secondary mineral accretion.

Lower section: A group of seven circular depressed drill marks is present. These depressions are sequentially connected by angular incised lines, forming an overall geometric configuration resembling a spoon-like shape.


5.6 Surface ConditionThe substrate appears light gray-brown to bluish-gray, with localized cloudy white staining. The material exhibits a semi-translucent quality. Except for the top through-perforation used for suspension, all circular depressions are non-penetrating.

5.7 The edge thickness is uniform and smoothly polished, with no observable chipping or loss.

5.8 All descriptions above are strictly based on features directly observable in the imagery and do not involve any interpretation related to manufacturing techniques, function, chronology, or cultural attribution.

 

6. Limitations, Observational Constraints, and Open Questions

6.1 Observational Constraints



Interference from Erosional Products: Extensive brown corrosion products and secondary mineral deposits on the reverse obscure potential original tool traces, making it difficult to determine whether decorative features were originally present in the upper area.

Reflectance Variability: Uneven surface staining results in variable light reflectance, particularly affecting the visibility of the start and end points of shallow incised lines on the front surface.


6.2 Open Questions



Directional Meaning of the Reverse Pattern: Whether the seven-hole pattern connected by incised lines on the reverse relates to astronomical symbolism or represents a specific symbolic system.

Design Logic Between Front and Reverse: Whether the combined use of points and lines in the facial features corresponds conceptually to the point-line geometric configuration on the reverse.

Differential Weathering Causes: Why the reverse exhibits intense localized erosion and mineral accretion while the front and lower reverse areas remain relatively well preserved, and whether this reflects differences in burial orientation or environmental stacking.

Drilling Depth and Technique: Whether the consistent depth and non-penetrating nature of the drilled depressions indicate a standardized drilling tool or controlled production method.


 

7. Imaging and Processing

7.1 All images were captured in RAW format using a full-frame camera equipped with a 90 mm macro lens and subsequently converted to JPEG files (approximately 42 megapixels per image), with no localized retouching.

7.2 Photography was conducted under controlled lighting conditions with a neutral background to minimize environmental interference.

7.3 No physical treatment or surface intervention was applied to the object during imaging.

7.4 Post-processing, if any, was limited to global exposure and white balance adjustments to accurately reflect the visual condition of the material.

 

8. Compliance and Due Diligence

8.1 The compilation and release of this dataset follow fundamental principles of academic data management.

8.2 Prior to digitization and publication, the dataset underwent internal review addressing publication risk, usage boundaries, and alignment with academic standards to ensure transparency, prudence, and procedural integrity.

8.3 This dataset is released exclusively as a non-interpretive visual record and does not constitute any form of academic conclusion, cultural attribution, chronological determination, or institutional position.