Shang Dynasty Musical Instruments Excavated in the Central Plains of China

Abstract

This study has three main objectives: (1) To describe the distribution of musical instruments excavated in the Central Plains during the Shang Dynasty. (2) To analyse the musical characteristics performed on Shang dynasty instruments.(3) To study the functions of musical instruments of the Shang Dynasty.

The research findings are as follows: (1) A total of 158 musical instruments have been excavated, with 128 from Henan Province, 15 from Shanxi, 11 from Shandong, 3 from Hebei, and 1 from Shaanxi. (2) The musical piece Shang Song – Xuan Bird features a four-part structure, alternating between the G Gong and E Yu modes. It is solemn in tone, with a steady four-beat rhythm and contrasts between fast and slow sections. Liu Shui consists of six sections that transition between C Gong and A Yu modes, characterized by cascading intervals and a blend of free and metered rhythms. Ai Ying comprises three sections in the D Zhi mode, marked by a slow, mournful melody and a free rhythmic style. (3) In terms of function, musical instruments were used in rituals to communicate with deities, in entertainment to enhance banquets and display the host's social status, and in politics to symbolize power and reinforce hierarchical structures.

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