DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18727775
title: East Asian Prehistoric Human-Face Jade Form 21 (EANJ_FACE_21):
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_21).

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 study, and materials science–related research.

1.3 The digital record of this object forms part of a continuously expanding dataset intended to provide a citable basis for future cross-object comparative research. At the present stage, no cross-sample comparative interpretation is undertaken.

 

2. Access and Use Conditions

2.1 Access Restrictions

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

2.2 Application Requirements

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

2.3 Usage Limitations

This dataset is restricted to 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 General Views

High-resolution photographs of the front and reverse sides documenting the object’s overall proportions and geometric structure.

3.2 Measurement Reference

Images incorporating a metric scale for quantitative reference.



Length: 5 cm

Width: 3.4 cm

Thickness: 0.7 cm

Weight: 16 g


3.3 Microscopic Evidence

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

 

4. Image Inventory

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



Front View: Documentation of facial modeling and overall proportionsEANJ_FACE_21_FRONT

Reverse View: Documentation of reverse contour morphologyEANJ_FACE_21_REVERSE

Scale View: Image including metric scale for dimensional referenceEANJ_FACE_21_WITH_SCALE

Front Macro View: Documentation of frontal surface featuresEANJ_FACE_21_MIC_CP_DOWN

Front Macro View: Documentation of frontal surface featuresEANJ_FACE_21_MIC_CP_UP


 

5. Observed Morphological and Structural Features

5.1 Overall Form

The object exhibits a vertically elongated ovoid shape. The front surface is slightly convex with an arched profile, while the reverse side presents a corresponding concave form. The top is rounded, the lower portion tapers into a conical termination, and the edges are evenly polished. Overall proportions appear symmetrical.

5.2 Frontal Facial Features

Forehead Decoration and Perforation:A small circular perforation passes through the center of the upper forehead area. Surrounding this perforation is a grid-like (diamond-shaped) incised pattern composed of intersecting diagonal lines, delineating a defined decorative zone at the center of the forehead.

Eye Structure:The eyes are expressed by two relatively large circular through-perforations. Each perforation is encircled by a raised annular ridge along the outer rim.

Mouth Feature:The mouth is similarly rendered as a circular through-perforation, with a raised annular rim analogous to those surrounding the eye perforations.

5.3 Reverse Features

Perforation Continuity:The reverse side clearly reveals the through-perforations corresponding to the forehead, eyes, and mouth. The perforation diameters appear to slightly taper from the front to the reverse, and the internal walls are smoothly finished.

Surface Treatment:The reverse surface is relatively flat, with naturally rounded transitions along the edges. No additional artificially produced decorative structures are observed.

5.4 Material and Surface Condition

Color Characteristics:The object displays a warm off-white to pale bluish-white tone, with localized light brown, filament-like alteration patterns.

Surface Alteration:The surface exhibits a sheen resembling an oxidized patina. Dark brown mineral accretions are visible on the reverse side.

5.5 Scope of Description

All descriptions above are strictly based on morphological and structural features directly observable in the photographic images and do not involve any interpretation regarding manufacturing technique, function, chronology, or cultural attribution.

 

6. Open Questions



Compositional Logic of the Multi-Perforation Structure:In addition to its apparent correspondence with facial sensory representation, does the layout of the perforations reflect an alternative logic related to wearing, suspension, or specific visual presentation?

Symbolic Implications of the Diamond Grid Pattern:Does the diamond-shaped grid decoration on the forehead indicate a specific status or attribute, or does it function solely as a decorative treatment associated with the forehead perforation area?

Consistency of Material Weathering:Are the dark brown mineral accretions observed on the reverse side consistent with the formation environment of the alteration patterns on the front surface? This question is of significance for understanding changes in the object’s preservation environment over time.


 

7. Imaging and Processing

7.1 All images were captured using a full-frame camera equipped with a 90 mm macro lens, photographed in RAW format and 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 the imaging process.

7.4 Post-processing, if any, was strictly 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 review, including assessment of publication risks, usage boundaries, and alignment with academic standards, to ensure transparency, prudence, and procedural integrity.

8.3 This dataset is published 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.