SOURCE3 An ox‐shaped bronze zun (wine vessel) from the late Zhou dynasty
SOURCE2 A late Zhou dynasty bronze musical bell
SkillBuilder discussion Using historical sources 1. What techniques and materials were used in the creation of the objects shown in SOURCES2 and 3 ?
2. Identify some of the primary uses of the bronze musical bell and the ox-shaped bronze zun during the Zhou dynasty? 3. Discuss how the designs and decorations on these objects reþect the cultural and artistic values of the late Zhou dynasty?
Did you know? In ancient China, women and men wore ornaments and jewellery as a badge of their social rank. This made it easy to tell at a glance their position in society.
7.4.2
The common people
The struggling peasants Most people in ancient China were peasants with little power. They reared sheep, pigs, poultry, buffalo and oxen and grew grains like wheat and barley. Many worked for lords and had to give them half of what they grew, plus pay taxes. Life was hard, and some had to sell their children into slavery. Peasants faced þoods, famine and war. Most of the infantry in the armies were conscripted peasants using weapons like halberds with bronze blades. Many died in battle, and captured soldiers were often killed or made slaves. The lowest classes Below the peasants were artisans, merchants and slaves. Artisans were skilled workers like armourers, metalworkers and carpenters. Merchants traded goods but were a smaller, lower class. Some were wealthy but they were not seen as useful and ranked just above slaves. Most slaves were captured in war or were punished for crimes committed by relatives rather than by themselves.
194 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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