DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18725593
title: East Asian Prehistoric Human-Face Jade Form 19 (EANJ_FACE_19):
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 human-face–form jade object (Form ID: EANJ_FACE_19).

1.2 As part of the foundational research infrastructure of a digital archiving project, this dataset provides high-fidelity visual evidence intended to support morphological analysis, traceology, and materials science–related research.

1.3 The digital record of this object belongs to an ongoing and continuously expanding dataset, designed to provide a citable basis for future cross-object comparative studies. At this stage, no cross-sample comparative interpretation is conducted.

 

2. Access and Usage Terms

2.1 Access Restriction

For reasons of data security and academic standards, the high-resolution original files of this dataset are subject to restricted access.

2.2 Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit a clear statement of research purpose and institutional affiliation via the Zenodo platform.

2.3 Usage Restrictions

This dataset is limited to academic research, visual documentation, and comparative analysis only. Any form of 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 Documentation

High-resolution frontal and reverse images documenting the object’s overall proportions and geometric structure.

3.2 Measurement Reference

Images include metric scale references for quantitative analysis. Measurement data are non-rigorous and provided for reference only.



Length: 5.0 cm

Width: 4.2 cm

Thickness: 2.0 cm

Weight: 61 g


3.3 Microscopic Evidence

High-magnification macro images documenting perforation morphology, micro-weathering features, and observable traces of surface modification.

 

4. Object Image Inventory

The dataset includes the following high-resolution images:



Frontal View: Documents facial modeling features and overall proportions(EANJ_FACE_19_FRONT)

Reverse View: Displays reverse contour morphology(EANJ_FACE_19_REVERSE)

Scale View: Includes metric scale for dimensional reference(EANJ_FACE_19_WITH_SCALE)

Reverse Macro View: Documents right perforation morphology(EANJ_FACE_19_MIC_ONP_R)

Reverse Macro View: Documents left perforation morphology(EANJ_FACE_19_MIC_ONP_L)

Reverse Macro View: Documents reverse surface morphology(EANJ_FACE_19_MIC_ONP)

Frontal Macro View: Documents lower frontal morphology(EANJ_FACE_19_MIC_FRONT_WEAR_1)

Frontal Macro View: Documents upper frontal morphology(EANJ_FACE_19_MIC_FRONT_WEAR_2)


 

5. Observable Morphological and Structural Features

5.1 Overall Form

The object exhibits a rounded upper portion, smoothly tapering downward into a rounded pointed base. Left–right proportions are generally symmetrical.

5.2 Frontal Facial Features

Protruding Contour StructureA clearly defined protruding structure extends across the upper forehead and laterally to both sides. This structure forms a semi-circular arched band closely following the head contour.

Brow and Eye RegionThe brow arches are expressed by two smooth, curved incised grooves that connect with the nasal ridge. The eyes are rendered as raised forms through surrounding recessing; the protruding portions are highly rounded, without sharp edges, and present a spindle-like appearance.

Nasal and Mid-Facial AreaThe nasal ridge gradually widens from top to bottom, forming an isosceles triangular shape with clearly articulated transitions to the cheeks.

MouthPositioned close beneath the nose, the mouth is emphasized by surrounding recessing, with a single incised line dividing the upper and lower lip. The chin is expressed in a manner similar to the lips, as a protruding feature.

5.3 Reverse Features

Dual-Perforation StructureNear the upper central area of the reverse side, a pair of near-circular through-holes is present, approximately symmetrical left to right. The perforation edges are not vertically cut but display a sloped profile.

Perforation CharacteristicsThe inner walls of the perforations exhibit light yellow alteration consistent with the surface. Faint spiral striation marks are observable. In image EANJ_FACE_19_MIC_ONP, vertical traces are visible on the outer walls of the perforation area.

Overall TreatmentThe reverse surface is evenly polished, forming a subtly convex curvature toward the center. No additional artificially formed decorative surface structures are observed.

5.4 Material and Surface Condition

Color CharacteristicsThe object presents an overall light beige-white tone, with densely distributed fine yellow-brown fibrous alteration patterns. The color distribution appears natural and uniform.

Trace CharacteristicsUnder raking light, distinct longitudinal striations are observable within recessed areas around the eyes and mouth.

5.5 All descriptions above are based solely 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

Due to the dense material texture, microscopic traces are difficult to observe under frontal lighting conditions.

6.2 Open Questions



Interpretation of Protruding Structures: Whether the structures on the top and sides represent purely representational facial features or correspond to a specific headdress or identity marker.

Origin of Vertical Traces on Perforation Exterior: Whether these traces result from natural formation during preservation or from intentional later modification obscuring earlier traces.

Alteration Pattern Distribution and Material Stress: Whether the density of yellow-brown alteration patterns is consistent across incised grooves, perforation interiors, and exterior surfaces, and how this relates to the sequence of alteration versus surface modification.

Comparative Facial Structure: How the facial structural features of this object relate to those documented in previously recorded specimens.


 

7. Imaging and Processing

7.1 All images were captured using a full-frame camera 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 Post-processing, if any, was limited to global exposure and white balance adjustments to ensure faithful representation of the material’s visual state.

 

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 publication, the dataset underwent internal review, including assessments of publication risk, usage boundaries, and alignment with academic standards, to ensure transparency, caution, and procedural integrity.

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.