Separation or Integration? Further Insights from a Study of Chemical Datasets on Ancient Bronze Drums from South and Southeast Guangxi, China

Abstract Bronze drums of Type Beiliu and Type Lingshan are very remarkable among the eight types of bronze drum in China for their distinct ethnic features and huge form, representing the highest level of the bronze industry of Guangxi from the Han to Tang Dynasty. A total of 12 samples from drums of Type Beiliu and 7 from Type Lingshan are investigated in this study, providing a method to further discuss on the provenance of ore sources, ethnics and correlations between them. The analysis results reveal that the above two types of bronze drums share some common features in alloying patterns, lead isotope ratios and trace elements, while differing from each other for their characters (e.g., the decorative traditions). A conclusion can be drawn from this study that even though the above two types of bronze drums belong to different local powers, widely exchanging and communicating existing over ‘the boundary’, integration, as well as separation or confrontation, is suggested as the main status in an ancient ethnic society.