Episode 9: Hongshan Jade Falcon Belt Buckle — The Essential and Signature Symbol of Hunting Cultures

In the last episode, we explored the jade horseshoe, a lucky symbol of hunting culture during the Hongshan period. Today, we will examine another signature design of the hunting culture—the falcon. This artifact provides further confirmation that hunting culture was not only an essential part of Chinese civilization but also far more advanced and sophisticated than traditionally believed. Ancient jade tells us a different story than what is commonly taught in schools.

For detailed visual information, please refer to my YouTube video, Episode 45.

Now, let’s apply our four-point check-up method to this beautiful jade falcon.

1. Material

This piece is made from super high-quality white jade, likely Hetian jade.
It is refined and hard, but slightly less so than the jade horseshoe we examined in Episode 8.
We frequently see this quality of jade used in Hongshan culture, particularly by hunting people.
This raises an interesting observation: Hunting communities may have had easier access to distant, high-quality Hetian jade, whereas the inland communities—such as those at Niuheliang, another branch of Hongshan culture—relied more on locally sourced jade, known as "old river-polished jade" (老河磨料).
Instead of the pure white Hetian jade favored by the hunting branch, the inland branch used softer jade with a yellow-green tone. This suggests that hunting groups were more mobile and connected to long-distance trade.

2. Stains and Patina

Due to the dry climate and the jade’s refined polish, there are almost no visible stains.
However, light orange-red stains can be spotted around the edges of the falcon's wings.
The piece has a rich, deep patina, creating a beautiful, luminous reflection.

3. Design

The vivid and powerful depiction of the falcon reflects the elegant yet refined taste of hunting people.
The curved neck serves as a functional hook for a belt buckle.
The rounded eyes stand out distinctly.
The wings are powerfully raised and folded inward, giving the impression of movement, as if the falcon is mid-flight.
The deeply carved channel between the wings and body is a signature Hongshan jade feature.
The delicate, silk-like texture of the carving contrasts with the hardness of the jade, showcasing Hongshan artists' mastery of both form and texture.
Despite the softly flowing textures, the falcon’s pose exudes power—you can almost feel the wind created by its flapping wings.
On the back of its wings, there are cross-hatch markings, a common design seen on the most important Hongshan jade pieces.
This motif suggests protective power, further emphasizing the spiritual and cultural importance of this artifact.

4. Craftsmanship

This jade falcon is a hallmark piece showcasing superior craftsmanship.
The functional belt buckle design demonstrates practical innovation.
The exceptional polish creates a deep and rich luster, reflecting the high level of skill in Hongshan jade carving.

Cultural and Historical Insights

This artifact further strengthens our understanding of the role of hunting culture in early Chinese civilization.

Access to High-Quality Jade:
- The evidence suggests that hunting people had greater mobility, allowing them to acquire superior Hetian jade from the far west.
- This strengthens the theory that a jade trade route existed long before the Silk Road.
Cultural Exchange with the West:
- The cross-hatch motif, frequently seen on important Hongshan jade artifacts, indicates possible cultural influences from West Asia or the Middle East.
- This falcon belt buckle may serve as further evidence that Hongshan hunting people engaged in long-distance trade and cultural exchange.
Reevaluating the Role of Hunting Culture in Chinese Civilization:
- Was hunting culture truly inferior to Chinese agricultural civilization?
- Based on the sophistication of these Hongshan jade pieces, we must reconsider and revise our understanding of history.
- Hunting culture was not just an early stage of development—it was an essential foundation of Chinese civilization.
- The so-called "Huaxia" agricultural culture, centered around the Yellow River, may have received influences from a more advanced hunting culture rather than developing in isolation.
- The perceived superiority of farming culture over hunting culture was largely a self-created belief rather than a historical truth supported by artifacts.
- Ancient jade tells a different story—one where the roots of Chinese civilization are deeply intertwined with the hunting traditions of Hongshan culture.

Final Thoughts

This falcon belt buckle is a masterpiece of Hongshan craftsmanship and a testament to the sophistication of hunting culture. It challenges long-standing assumptions about the origins of Chinese civilization and suggests that nomadic and hunting groups played a far greater role than traditionally acknowledged.