DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18710238
title: East Asian Prehistoric Human-Face Jade Form 15 (EANJ_FACE_15):
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_15).

1.2 This dataset serves as the foundational research layer of a digital archival initiative for the specimen, providing high-fidelity visual evidence to support morphological analysis, traceology, and materials science–related research.

1.3 The digital documentation of this object forms part of a continuously expanding dataset intended to provide citable reference material for future cross-object comparative studies. No comparative or interpretive analysis across specimens is conducted at this stage.

 

2. Access and Use Conditions

2.1 Access RestrictionsFor reasons of data security and academic standards, the high-resolution original files of this dataset are set to restricted access.

2.2 Application RequirementsApplicants are required to submit a clearly stated research purpose and institutional affiliation through the Zenodo platform.

2.3 Usage LimitationsThis dataset is limited to academic research, visual documentation, and comparative analytical purposes only. Any commercial use, non-academic dissemination, or reproduction beyond academic comparative objectives is strictly prohibited without explicit authorization from the dataset publisher.

 

3. Dataset Composition

3.1 Overall ViewsHigh-resolution images of the front and reverse sides documenting overall proportions and geometric structure.

3.2 Metric ReferenceImages including a metric scale for quantitative analysis.Length: 7.6 cmWidth: 5.5 cmThickness: 2.2 cmWeight: 152 g

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

 

4. Object Image Inventory

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



Front view: documenting facial morphology and overall proportionsEANJ_FACE_15_FRONT

Reverse view: showing rear contour morphologyEANJ_FACE_15_REVERSE

Scale reference view: including a metric scale for dimensional referenceEANJ_FACE_15_WITH_SCALE

Reverse macro view: documenting right perforation morphologyEANJ_FACE_15_MIC_SUR_FRONT_R

Reverse macro view: documenting left perforation morphologyEANJ_FACE_15_MIC_SUR_FRONT_L

Reverse macro view: documenting surface wear featuresEANJ_FACE_15_MIC_REVERSE_WEAR

Front macro view: documenting frontal surface morphologyEANJ_FACE_15_MIC_SUR_FRONT_A

Front macro view: documenting upper frontal morphologyEANJ_FACE_15_MIC_SUR_FRONT_C


 

5. Observed Morphological and Structural Features

5.1 Overall FormThe object presents a vertically elongated, inverted-ovoid (or heart-shaped) volumetric form. The upper portion is rounded, with a slight central concavity along the axial line, while the lower portion narrows inward. The surface exhibits a continuous, full-bodied curvature with smooth lateral profile transitions.

5.2 Facial and Surface Features



Forehead, Brow, and Eye Region:A shallow incised groove is present between the upper frontal area and the upper margin of the facial region, forming a semi-arched line extending from the top toward the cheek areas. The eye region is indicated by two shallow incised lines extending outward from the central axis. The nasal area appears as a protruding feature.

Mouth:Located at the narrowed lower portion of the object, expressed as a relatively deep horizontal incised straight line.


5.3 Upper Structural FeatureA distinct V-shaped notch is observable at the central axis of the top edge. This feature does not form a through-hole but visually aligns with the longitudinal raised ridge along the central axis on the reverse side.

5.4 Perforation and Reverse Structures



Dual Perforation Structure:A pair of symmetrically distributed circular recessed perforations is present in the upper-middle area of the reverse side. Under magnification, minor spiral striation traces are observable within the perforation walls, with no visible sediment deposits.

Central Axial Ridge:A pronounced ridge-like raised structure runs along the vertical central axis of the reverse side, extending downward from the top edge, passing between the two perforations, and continuing into the lower half of the object.


5.5 Material Characteristics and Surface Evolution



Coloration:The object exhibits a rich range of coloration, including orange, light yellow, greenish-blue hues, and localized dark brown alteration patches.

Transparency and Internal Texture:The material displays a degree of semi-translucency. Complex fibrous textures and crystalline structures are visible internally. Scattered dark deposits or alteration spots are observable on both the front and reverse surfaces.


5.6 Interpretive Scope StatementAll descriptions above 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



Optical Interference of Material Properties:Due to the material’s pronounced semi-translucency and complex internal crystalline textures, variations in lighting conditions—such as differences between macro photography lighting and general display lighting—result in noticeable discrepancies in perceived surface color saturation, complicating accurate reconstruction of coloration under natural light conditions.


6.2 Open Questions



Relationship Between Reverse Ridge and Dual Perforations:The structural logic underlying the coexistence of the central axial ridge and the pair of through perforations on the reverse side remains unclear. Whether this configuration represents an unfinished structural reserve or serves a specific structural reinforcement function requires further analysis.

Formation Mechanism of the Upper V-Shaped Notch:The relatively regular edge contours of the upper notch raise questions as to whether it represents a physical void resulting from a specific later modification process or a formalized component of the object’s upper morphology.

Origins of Surface Color Distribution:The coexistence of extensive orange coloration with localized greenish-blue areas may reflect heterogeneous primary mineral composition of the material or differential secondary alteration processes induced by the preservation environment.


 

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 Imaging 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 performed was limited to global exposure and white balance adjustments, solely to accurately reflect the visual state 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 due diligence assessments, including evaluations of publication risk, usage boundaries, and alignment with academic standards, to ensure transparency, caution, and procedural soundness.

8.3 This dataset is released strictly 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 statement.