DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18722158
title: East Asian Prehistoric Human-Face Jade Form 18 (EANJ_FACE_18):
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 form (Form ID: EANJ_FACE_18).

1.2 This dataset serves as the foundational research layer of an ongoing digital archiving 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 is part of an expanding dataset intended to support future cross-object comparative studies and citation. At this stage, no comparative interpretation across samples is undertaken.

 

2. Access and Use Conditions

2.1 Access Restrictions

For reasons of data security and academic compliance, the original high-resolution 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 restricted to academic research, visual documentation, and comparative analytical purposes only. Any commercial use, non-academic dissemination, or reproduction beyond academic comparative contexts is strictly prohibited without explicit authorization from the dataset publisher.

 

3. Dataset Composition

3.1 Overall Documentation

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

3.2 Metric Reference

Images include a metric scale for quantitative reference. Measurements are provided for reference only and do not constitute precise metrological data.



Length: 8.3 cm

Width: 6.2 cm

Thickness: 3.5 cm

Weight: 239 g


3.3 Microscopic Evidence

High-magnification macro images documenting perforation morphology, observable micro-weathering features, and visible tool-related traces.

 

4. Object Image Inventory

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



Frontal View: Records facial configuration and overall proportionsEANJ_FACE_18_FRONT

Reverse View: Displays the rear contour and surface morphologyEANJ_FACE_18_REVERSE

Scale Reference View: Includes a metric scale for dimensional referenceEANJ_FACE_18_WITH_SCALE

Reverse Macro View (Right Perforation)EANJ_FACE_18_MIC_ONP_R

Reverse Macro View (Left Perforation)EANJ_FACE_18_MIC_ONP_L

Frontal Macro View (Left Eye Area)EANJ_FACE_18_MIC_FRONT_WEAR_A

Frontal Macro View (Right Eye Area)EANJ_FACE_18_MIC_FRONT_WEAR_B

Frontal Macro View (Lower Facial Area)EANJ_FACE_18_MIC_FRONT_WEAR_C


 

5. Observed Morphological Features

5.1 Overall Form

The object presents a vertically elongated, inverted ovoid volumetric form. The upper portion is rounded and full, tapering smoothly downward to a blunt, pointed base. The cross-section exhibits pronounced curvature, contributing to a strong three-dimensional presence.

5.2 Frontal Facial Features

EyesThe eyes are delineated by incised grooves forming symmetrical, elongated spindle-like (or leaf-shaped) outlines, with extended outer corners. A straight incised line runs horizontally through the center of each eye.

NoseThe nose is expressed as a raised triangular protrusion along the central axis. The nasal ridge is clearly defined, extending downward from the brow area and gradually widening.

MouthPositioned beneath the nose, the mouth is rendered as a single, evenly incised horizontal line with a slight upward curvature.

5.3 Reverse Structure and Perforation Features

Perforation CharacteristicsNear the upper portion of the reverse side, a pair of circular through-holes is visible. The holes are arranged in a non-horizontal orientation, slanting toward the left side of the central axis, forming a configuration comparable to a “ox-nose” shape. Spiral striations are visible within the perforation channels. Portions of the inner walls appear grey-white, differing from the overall surface coloration.

Surface ConditionThe reverse surface is evenly polished. No additional artificially formed decorative structures are observed.

5.4 Material and Surface Evolution

Body CharacteristicsThe object exhibits a dense, light beige to pale brown coloration with a fine texture and a smoothly polished surface. Localized areas of yellow-brown and grey-brown alteration patterns are visible.

Incised Line FeaturesWithin the incised grooves of the eyes and mouth, partial deposits are visible, exhibiting a condition similar to that observed on the inner walls of the perforations. These groove interiors appear grey-white, creating a visual contrast with the beige-toned surface.

5.5 All descriptions above are based solely on directly observable morphological and structural features visible in the images and do not involve any interpretations related to manufacturing techniques, function, chronology, or cultural attribution.

 

6. Limitations, Observational Constraints, and Open Questions

6.1 Observational Constraints

Deposit ObstructionDeposits present within incised grooves and perforation channels hinder complete observation of groove bottoms, continuity of tool traces, and precise depth assessment.

6.2 Open Questions



Statistical Position of Volumetric ProportionsWithin the broader digital record of comparable objects in this series, does the physical volume of this specimen (length/width/thickness ratio) occupy a marginal position within the sample distribution?

Formation Mechanism of Interior–Surface Color ContrastDoes the grey-white appearance of incised grooves and perforation interiors result from the exposure of original material during carving, or from differential secondary alteration driven by micro-environmental conditions within recessed features?

Relationship Between Alteration Zones and PittingIs there a spatial correlation between yellow-brown and grey-brown alteration areas and surface pits of varying size, and what physical or chemical mechanisms might account for their formation?

Intentionality of Perforation InclinationDoes the non-horizontal (inclined) orientation of the “ox-nose” perforations reflect random deviation during manufacture, or a deliberate design choice intended to accommodate a specific suspension angle?


 

7. Imaging and Processing

7.1 All images were captured using a full-frame camera paired 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 against 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 applied, it was limited strictly to global exposure and white balance adjustments, aiming to faithfully reflect the object’s visual condition.

 

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 risk assessment, including evaluation of release implications, usage boundaries, and alignment with academic norms, to ensure transparency, prudence, and procedural integrity.

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