DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18684198
title: East Asian Prehistoric Human-Face Jade Form 08 (EANJ_FACE_08):
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 artifact with a human-face morphology (Form ID: EANJ_FACE_08).

1.2 This dataset serves as the foundational research layer of the digital archiving project for this specimen, providing high-fidelity visual evidence to support morphological analysis, traceological studies, and materials science–related research.

1.3 The digital documentation of this object forms part of an ongoing and expandable dataset intended to provide a citable basis for future cross-object comparative studies. At the current stage, no comparative or interpretive analysis across samples is undertaken.

 

2. Access and Use Guidelines

2.1 Access RestrictionFor reasons of data security and academic protocol, the high-resolution original files in this dataset are set 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 Usage RestrictionsThis dataset is limited to academic research, visual documentation, and comparative analytical purposes only. Without explicit authorization from the dataset publisher, any form of commercial use, non-academic dissemination, or reproduction and reuse beyond scholarly comparative purposes is strictly prohibited.

 

3. Dataset Composition

3.1 Overview DocumentationHigh-resolution photographs of the front and reverse sides, recording the overall proportions and geometric structure of the object.

3.2 Metric ReferenceImages incorporating a metric scale for quantitative analysis.



Length: 4.7 cm

Width: 4.1 cm

Thickness: 0.7 cm

Weight: 29 g


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

 

4. List of Object Images

This dataset contains seven high-resolution images, as follows:



Front View: Records facial modeling features and overall proportionsEANJ_FACE_08_FRONT

Reverse View: Displays the rear contour morphologyEANJ_FACE_08_REVERSE

Scale Reference View: Includes a metric scale for dimensional referenceEANJ_FACE_08_WITH_SCALE

Front Macro View of Perforation: Documents perforation morphologyEANJ_FACE_08_MIC_CP_UP_FRONT

Reverse Macro View of Perforation: Documents perforation morphologyEANJ_FACE_08_MIC_CP_UP_REVERSE

Bottom Macro View of Drilling: Records drilling characteristicsEANJ_FACE_08_MIC_FRONT_BH

Front Macro View with Raking Light: Records surface modification tracesEANJ_FACE_08_MIC_FRONT_TMK


 

5. Observed Morphological and Structural Features

5.1 The object presents an irregular ovoid, flattened volume. The vertical and horizontal proportions are comparable, with rounded edges, and the overall layout exhibits axial symmetry.

5.2 The eyes are rendered as spindle-shaped raised forms. A single horizontal incised fine line is visible at the center of each eye, with irregular depressions observable around the eye contours.

5.3 Lower facial features: the mouth area is expressed by three circular recessed drilled features arranged in an arc. Under magnification, stepped rotational drilling traces are visible.

5.4 Perforation features: a fully penetrating perforation is located at the center of the forehead, exhibiting a biconical drilling configuration. Concentric or spiral-like surface features are observable along the margins of the perforation openings.

5.5 The nose ridge projects above the cheek areas, forming an elongated triangular volume that extends from beneath the forehead perforation down to above the mouth area, creating a raised relief effect.

5.6 The entire object exhibits a highly calcified, pure white appearance with a dense material texture. The surface shows almost no visible discoloration, fissures, or pitting, indicating a high degree of overall integrity.

5.7 The reverse side of the object is smoothly ground. Aside from the upper perforation, no additional intentionally shaped features are observable.

5.8 The above descriptions 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 Constraints



High-reflectance interference: Due to the highly calcified, pure white surface, strong illumination can cause overexposure, particularly around the eye area and relief transitions, posing challenges for documenting subtle surface features.

Material homogeneity limitation: The near absence of weathering coloration or patination makes it difficult to extract indicators of later modification or reworking through color variation analysis.


6.2 Open Questions



Typological status of grid motifs: The frequency and typological positioning of square grid-like motifs on the forehead within early East Asian jade records, and their potential associations with specific cultural categories.

Nature of eye-area surface traces: Whether the irregular linear features around the eye contours represent preliminary positioning marks from the manufacturing process or a specific representational approach.

Functional implication of the three mouth perforations: The relationship between the use of three non-penetrating drilled features to depict the mouth and any potential functional considerations.

Calcification mechanisms: Investigation into the physicochemical conditions that could result in uniformly high calcification without accompanying discoloration, cracking, or surface fissuring.


 

7. Imaging and Processing

7.1 All images were captured using a full-frame camera equipped with a 90 mm macro lens, recorded 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 with a neutral background to minimize environmental interference.

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

7.4 Any post-processing, where applicable, was limited to global exposure and white balance adjustments to accurately reflect the visual state of the material.

 

8. Compliance and Due Diligence

8.1 The compilation and publication of this dataset adhere to fundamental principles of academic data management.

8.2 Prior to digitization and release, the dataset underwent internal risk assessment, including evaluation of publication exposure, usage boundaries, and alignment with academic norms, to ensure transparency, prudence, and procedural rigor.

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