Shouldered stone axe
A shouldered stone axe, also known as shouldered shovel-shaped tool, is a kind of polished stone tool. Its shape is similar to a shovel, with a wide axe blade on the bottom and a narrow handle on the top. The cutting edge is arched, with an obvious turning point near the upper half of the handle, which looks like shoulders. It is one of the most representative artifacts of Yuanshan Culture in prehistoric Taiwan. In East Asia, other artifacts with shouldered features include shouldered stone adzes, shouldered stone shovels, and shouldered stone beaters.[1]
Functions
Scholars believe that the shoulders of these artifacts have some function and are not just decorative. The function is that the shoulder can be used for tying ropes with an additional handle that is parallel with the blade. Due to the curved shape of the shoulders, the rope can be tied tightly so that users can hold it more conveniently. As for their usage, scholars think that they are just like modern axes that can be swung horizontally for chopping. Some others believe, however, that they are farm tools for digging downward or plowing backward.[1][2]
Distribution
The sites in which shouldered stone axes have been unearthed in Taiwan include Yuanshan site, Chihshanyen site, and Chientan site in Taipei; Sheliaotao site in Keelung; Puli site in Nantou, Chunkung site and Yingpu site in Taichung; Niuchoutzi site in Tainan; Tahu site and Taotziyuan site in Kaohsiung; and Luchia site in Taitung. Shouldered stone axes are distributed across Taiwan, but the quantity is not very large. In addition to Taiwan, they are also found in other regions of the Pacific.[1]
Discussion on the Origin
Some scholars conducted research on shouldered stone axes and stepped stone adzes and found out that shouldered stonewares first appeared in Mainland Southeast Asia. Going north to China, we can see axe-like tools that are similar to those found in northern Taiwan. However, going further northward along the southeastern shores, they became less frequent and even absent in those areas.[2] There are also scholars comparing the artifacts unearthed in northern Taiwan and the Tapenkeng site in the south, and they pointed out that there are stepped stone adzes in the north but not the shouldered stone axes, so it is likely related to Hemudu Culture in China. Shouldered stone axes were also found at the Nankuanli site in southern Taiwan with no stepped stone adzes, indicating that those stone axes are related to the sites in Fujian and Guangdong.[3] Overall, scholars do not have a firm conclusion about their origin and cultural meaning.
References
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