殷周時代における死者の祭祀

Abstract

From Yin to Han, not a few ruins of ancestral temple were excavated. However, there is none which show archaeological evidence to make one imagine the way of use of these buildings. Yanshi Erlitou 偃師 二里頭 building no. 2 of Erlitou III stage is exceptional in this point. On a basement of pounded earth surrounded by earthen wall, a big tomb was dug. In front of it, a building was found. The ground of court, especially around the tomb and the building was trodden hard, showing long use. This is the palace of the man buried in the tomb. Food and clothing must be offered here as in Han time. And important event took place here for generations. This kind of building is also known at tomb of Fu Hao 婦好墓 of late Yin period at Anyang 安陽. In Western Zhou bronze inscription, we find many name of so-and-so's palace, where political event took place. These palaces were proved by Tang Lan 唐蘭 to be the miao (Ancestral temple). In Yin and Zhou bronze inscription we read "I made this so-and-so's vessel of daily use". These vessels made by son were used for filial duty. He offered to his own father food and drink, and vessels were placed in the building close to his father's tomb. After death, these bronze vessels were buried in his tomb. For what purpose? To let him continue his filial duty in his tomb.