Tsinghua University has made a significant breakthrough in historical research with the study of five sets of bamboo slips, dating back more than 2,000 years. These slips, originating from the Warring States Period (475BC-221BC) and the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), were the focal point of a recent press conference held by the university.
The five sets, named Rites of a High Official’s Meal, Record of Rites of a High Official’s Meal, Diagram of Five Tones, Music Style, and Fear Heaven and Use Body, offer unprecedented insights into the rituals, music, and philosophical thoughts of the pre-Qin era. They are considered ‘lost classics’ as they contain information not found in existing literature.
The first two sets, Rites of a High Official’s Meal and Record of Rites of a High Official’s Meal, are particularly noteworthy. Comprising 51 and 14 slips respectively, they detail the ceremonial etiquette observed by the host and guests during a high official’s meal. The intricate descriptions of these rituals provide a new understanding of social behaviors and practices of the era.
Huang Dekuan, the director of Tsinghua University’s Center for the Study and Conservation of Excavated Documents, emphasized the significance of these findings. He pointed out the similarities between the text on the slips and The Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial, a classic Chinese text from the Spring and Autumn period (770BC-476BC). Huang highlighted that the texts reflect the unique characteristics of high official meal rites in the Chu region (modern-day Hunan and Hubei provinces), offering valuable insights into the study of pre-Qin rites.
The research also sheds light on ancient Chinese music theory and history. The Diagram of Five Tones, for instance, features a pentagram with the traditional Chinese musical notes gong, shang, jue, zhi, and yu at its corners. The positioning of these notes on the pentagram offers clues into the music theory of the time. Additionally, Music Style, divided into two sections, records the names of musical tones, although the content of the second part remains unclear.
Another significant discovery is the philosophical document Fear Heaven and Use Body, comprising 17 intact slips. This document delves into the relationship between Heaven and Man and the role of human subjectivity. It illustrates the proactive spirit of the people during the Warring States period and contributes new material to the study of pre-Qin philosophy.
These bamboo slips, totaling 2,500 in number, were acquired by Tsinghua University in 2008. They represent a treasure trove of historical documents, offering a rare glimpse into ancient China’s cultural and intellectual life.
As the research approaches its final stage, the findings will be published in a comprehensive 16-volume report, with one volume released annually. This publication promises to be a monumental contribution to the fields of history and archaeology, enhancing our understanding of early Chinese civilization and its enduring influence on contemporary culture.
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