The Analysis And Interpretation Of Octagonal-star Image In Prehistoric China

The octagonal-star(eight-point)image is a kind of central symmetry geometric decoration,have been mainly found on the surface of Neolithic pottery.According to the shape,the octagonal-star image can be separated into two types: typically kind with core of square or round frame,eight triangles not pointing in the direction of eight,each Angle of two parallel to the east,south,west,north,is this article main research materials;Another kind or central square,round edge approximate equidistant distribution reaches the eight straight line or arc triangle,is this article research reference materials;They have more differences than similarities.The main distribution area includes :the area surrounding Dongting Lake and Yuan river basin,Haidai area,circum-Taihu area,Chaohu area,in other areas were found to be scattered and random,however,there are octagonal-star shape jades in Western Liaoning region,and could be dated between ca.8000 to 4000 years B.P.which in mid and late Neolithic Age.In addition,the octagonal-star image also had been found on the bow-shaped objects of Bronze Age,and now still prevalent in southwest minority costumes.Based on the comprehensive collection and classification of the octagonal-star image,this article is divided into six parts: white pottery of Hunan province,spinning wheel of circum-Taihu area,painted pottery of Haidai area,jade of Lingjiatan Culture,jade of Hongshan Culture,bow-shaped objects of Bronze Age.Main views of the meaning of the octagonal-star image includes: Worship of the sun,four fish together clan insignia,"Wu 巫" character,"zhen 贞" character,point the direction,original Shipan(cosmic board),original sundial,base flower,binding rope of turtle shell capsules,turtle as prototype,round sky and square earth,jiugong(suoreme unity in Nine Palaces),and so on.This paper is divided into five chapters.Chapter one: IntroductionThis chapter includes the definitions of research object,the summary previous research results and limitations.This chapter expounds the theory and method of this paper.Chapter two: Discovery and classification of the octagonal-star imageFirst of all,excluding the the image not belong to this article,then introduce the octagonal-star image according to the geographical distribution,finally given the classification and the chronology of the octagonal-star image.Chapter Three: Iconlogical analysis of the octagonal-star imageFrom the point of view of geometric composition,this chapter analyzes the layout type and reduces the two kinds of drawing of the standard octagonal-star image.And a simple introduction of figure-ground relation.Chapter Four: Cultural interpretation of the octagonal-star imageUnder framework of contextual analysis and cultural factors analysis,according to the iconology,semiotics and feminist theory,it is pointed out that no one view can be comprehensively summarized the connotation of octagonal-star image in each archaeological culture.This article inclines to think that the angles of the octagonal-star image comes from using the sun to distinguish the direction.Chapter Five:to be continuedThe octagonal-star image begins with the initial astronomical activities,but it has a distinctive humanistic meaning in the process of historical development.And a simple summary the deficiency of the research.