DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18715749
title: East Asian Prehistoric Human-Face Jade Form 17 (EANJ_FACE_17):
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 single jade object with a human-face–like form (Form ID: EANJ_FACE_17).

1.2 This dataset constitutes the foundational research layer of the object’s digital archival project, providing high-fidelity visual evidence to support morphological analysis, traceological observation, and materials science–related research.

1.3 The digital record of this object forms part of an ongoing and continuously expanding dataset, intended to serve as a citable baseline for future cross-object comparative studies.At the present stage, no comparative or cross-sample interpretation is undertaken.

 

2. Access and Use Guidelines

2.1 Access RestrictionsFor reasons of data security and academic integrity, the high-resolution original files of 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 strictly limited to academic research, visual documentation, and comparative analytical use.Any commercial use, non-academic dissemination, or reproduction beyond scholarly comparative purposes is strictly prohibited without explicit authorization from the dataset publisher.

 

3. Dataset Composition

3.1 Overview ImagesHigh-resolution photographs of the front and reverse sides, documenting overall proportions and geometric structure.

3.2 Metric ReferenceImages including a metric scale for quantitative analysis.



Length: 10.3 cm

Width: 9.2 cm

Thickness: 0.9 cm

Weight: 202 g


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

 

4. Image Inventory

The high-resolution images included in this dataset are as follows:



Front view: documentation of facial configuration and overall proportionsEANJ_FACE_17_FRONT

Reverse view: documentation of rear contour morphologyEANJ_FACE_17_REVERSE

Scaled view: image including metric scale for dimensional referenceEANJ_FACE_17_WITH_SCALE

Front macro view: documentation of the three upper perforationsEANJ_FACE_17_MIC_FRONT_UNIF_UP

Front macro view: documentation of the right perforationEANJ_FACE_17_MIC_FRONT_UNIF_R

Front macro view: documentation of the left perforationEANJ_FACE_17_MIC_FRONT_UNIF_L

Reverse macro view: documentation of grid-pattern incisionsEANJ_FACE_17_MIC_REVERSE_GP

Reverse macro view: documentation of radial-pattern incisionsEANJ_FACE_17_MIC_REVERSE_RP

Reverse macro view: documentation of incised-line connections between perforationsEANJ_FACE_17_MIC_REVERSE_IL

Front macro view: documentation of central decorative featuresEANJ_FACE_17_MIC_FRONT_IM_A

Front macro view: documentation of upper decorative featuresEANJ_FACE_17_MIC_FRONT_IM_B

Front macro view: documentation of upper decorative featuresEANJ_FACE_17_MIC_FRONT_IM_C


 

5. Observed Morphological Features

5.1 Overall FormThe object exhibits a horizontally expanded, heart-like overall form. The top edge is relatively flat, with a centrally positioned, upward-projecting elongated ridge-like structure. The lower portion narrows inward from both sides, forming a smooth, rounded converging arc.

5.2 Front-Side Decorative Features



Frame and Edge:The perimeter of the object is encircled by evenly spaced circular recessed features.

Forehead and Brow Area:The raised upper section contains a horizontal row of three circular through-perforations with approximately equal spacing.Below this raised section, a centrally positioned circular recessed feature is visible, flanked on both sides by symmetrical, diagonally oriented short radiating incisions.A horizontal incised line extends laterally beneath the forehead area, visually separating the upper forehead from the eye region.

Eyes and Nose:The eyes are represented by two circular through-perforations. The outer edges of the perforations display a sloped profile.Each eye perforation is surrounded by incised lines forming an overall teardrop-shaped outline.Between the eyes, shallow incised lines define an approximately isosceles triangular configuration representing the nasal area, extending downward into the lower half of the object.

Mouth:The mouth is composed of three circular recessed features arranged in a gentle arc, with shallow incised lines connecting the individual elements.


5.3 Reverse-Side Features



Structural Connectivity:From the reverse perspective, the three upper through-perforations and the two larger central perforations are connected by shallow incised lines, forming a geometric pathway resembling a “W” shape.

Geometric Patterns:The lower half of the reverse surface contains a grid pattern formed by two sets of seven intersecting incised lines arranged symmetrically from left and right, with relatively regular spacing.In the upper-right area, a shallow circular recessed feature is accompanied by radiating lines of varying lengths, forming a distinct localized pattern.


5.4 Material and Surface Alteration



Coloration and Microscopic Features:The base material appears in tones ranging from off-white to pale yellowish-brown. The surface is densely covered with yellow-brown, flocculent or reticulated secondary alteration patterns.Under magnification, numerous fine, pinhole-like pits are observable across the surface.


5.5 All descriptions above are strictly based on morphological and structural features directly observable in the images 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 ConstraintsDifficulty in Identifying Low-Contrast Tool Marks:Due to the shallow depth of the incised lines and the highly reflective white surface of the base material, precise tracing of incised-line trajectories and terminations may be subject to visual uncertainty under certain front-lit conditions.

6.2 Open Questions



Intent of the Frontal Geometric Layout:Whether the recessed feature at the brow center and its associated radiating short incisions represent purely decorative elements or serve a specific directional or symbolic function.

Relationship Between the Mouth and Edge Decoration:Whether the three arched recessed features forming the mouth, which are similar in form and scale to the circular edge features, follow a shared formal or structural logic.

Nature of the “W”-Shaped Connections on the Reverse:Whether the incised linear connections between the upper and central perforations functioned as alignment aids during production or represent a structured visual configuration.

Spatial Logic of Grid and Radial Patterns:Whether the pronounced asymmetry between the lower grid pattern and the upper-right radial motif reflects a deliberate compositional strategy.

Formation Mechanism of Pinhole-Like Pitting:Whether the dense microscopic pits result from differential weathering related to the material’s intrinsic structure or from chemical interactions within the burial or storage environment.


 

7. Imaging and Processing

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

7.2 Photography was conducted under controlled lighting conditions against 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 adhere to fundamental principles of academic data management.

8.2 Prior to digitization and release, the dataset underwent internal review, including assessment of publication risk, usage boundaries, and compliance with academic standards, to ensure transparency, caution, and procedural integrity.

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