DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18732895
title: East Asian Prehistoric Human-Face Jade Form 22 (EANJ_FACE_22):
High-Resolution Digital Documentation of Morphology, Perforations, Surface Evolution, and Tool Traces

description: 1. Core Statement

1.1 This record contains high-resolution raw visual data of a jade object with a human-face configuration (Form ID: EANJ_FACE_22).

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, traceology, 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 studies. At the current stage, no comparative interpretation across samples is conducted.

 

2. Access and Use Guidelines

2.1 Access Restrictions:For reasons of data security and academic integrity, the high-resolution original files of this dataset are subject to restricted access.

2.2 Application Requirements:Applicants must submit a clearly defined research purpose and institutional affiliation via the Zenodo platform.

2.3 Usage Limitations:This dataset is strictly limited to academic research, visual documentation, and comparative analytical purposes. Without explicit authorization from the dataset publisher, any form of commercial use, non-academic dissemination, or reproduction and reuse beyond academic comparative objectives is strictly prohibited.

 

3. Dataset Composition

3.1 Overview Documentation:High-resolution images of the front and reverse views, documenting the overall proportions and geometric structure of the object.

3.2 Metric Reference:Images incorporating a metric scale for quantitative analysis.



Length: 8.2 cm

Width: 7.9 cm

Thickness: 2.2 cm

Weight: 236 g


3.3 Microscopic Evidence:High-magnification macro images documenting perforation morphology, microscopic weathering features, and observable manufacturing traces.

 

4. Image Inventory

The dataset includes the following high-resolution images:



Front view: Documenting facial configuration and overall proportionsEANJ_FACE_22_FRONT

Reverse view: Displaying the rear contour morphologyEANJ_FACE_22_REVERSE

Scale view: Including a metric scale for dimensional referenceEANJ_FACE_22_WITH_SCALE

Front macro view: Documenting upper perforation morphologyEANJ_FACE_22_MIC_UNIF_FRONT

Reverse macro view: Documenting rear perforation morphologyEANJ_FACE_22_MIC_UNIF_REVERSE

Front macro views: Documenting trace morphologyEANJ_FACE_22_MIC_FRONT_AEANJ_FACE_22_MIC_FRONT_BEANJ_FACE_22_MIC_FRONT_C


 

5. Observed Morphological and Structural Features

5.1 Overall Form:The object presents a near-square volumetric form. The lower section tapers smoothly into a rounded, arched basal edge. The top is rounded with a flattened central segment, while both upper lateral sides exhibit protruding features.

5.2 Frontal Facial Features:



Brow and eye region: The brow ridge is delineated by incised arcuate lines, forming a pronounced relief. The eyes are raised and protruding, creating a full, spindle-like configuration.

Nasal and mid-facial region: The nasal bridge extends toward the nasal wings in a prominent manner. The base of the nose is flat, and the overall nasal form approximates a triangular shape.

Mouth: The lip area is relatively protruding, with a shallow horizontal incised line at the center dividing the upper and lower portions.


5.3 Reverse Features:



Single perforation structure: A centrally positioned perforation at the top of the reverse side connects through to the front. The surrounding surface is smoothly polished, with no additional artificially formed decorative surface structures observed.

Perforation characteristics: The perforation opening is relatively circular, exhibiting a funnel-shaped centripetal taper. Distinct spiral traces are visible along the inner wall of the perforation.


5.4 Material and Surface Condition:



Color characteristics: The object displays an interwoven pattern of bronze-brown and dark brown hues, with localized deep brown blotchy alterations. The color distribution is uneven.

Texture and luster: The material exhibits a high degree of density and surface luster. Fine, pinhole-sized pores are scattered across the surface.


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



Obscuration of tool traces by dark surface coloration: Due to the overall dark coloration of the object (approaching black-brown) and its relatively strong reflectivity, microscopic traces at the base of incised grooves are difficult to fully resolve under frontal lighting conditions.

Absence of lateral proportional data: Single-angle imaging does not allow precise quantification of the physical thickness from the nasal tip to the most protruding point on the reverse, limiting assessment of mass distribution and center of gravity.


6.2 Open Questions



Depth attributes of coloration and alteration patterns: Whether the localized deep brown blotchy distributions represent inherent material coloration or secondary alterations resulting from prolonged exposure to specific environmental conditions.

Balance between representational and abstract features: Examination of how this combination of formal characteristics may be situated within broader evolutionary sequences.

Degree of standardization in incised grooves: Whether the width, depth, and internal trace patterns of the incised grooves at the brow and mouth regions occupy a marginal position within currently documented examples.


 

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.

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 If any post-processing was performed, it was strictly 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 publication, 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 released solely as a non-interpretive collection of raw visual records and does not constitute any form of academic conclusion, cultural attribution, chronological determination, or institutional position.