Great Zimbabwe pottery shard identified as Chinese Longquan celadon proves extensive global trade
GS1History · Society · Geography· Ancient & medieval India· Prelims·
Maritime trade networks: a GS1 case study on pre-modern global trade and archaeological provenance.
Why in news
Archaeologists at the University of Oxford identified a jade-green pottery shard from Great Zimbabwe as Chinese Longquan celadon, proving extensive global trade links.
Background
Archaeologists Shadreck Chirikure and Muchen Zhou identified the shard as Longquan celadon, a pottery type fired above 2,000°F in southeast China. The fragment traveled through Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean to reach Great Zimbabwe.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceGreat Zimbabwe: Archaeological site in Southern Africa associated with extensive global trade.
- S&TLongquan celadon: Jade-green pottery fired above 2,000°F in southeast China.
- FactTrade route: The shard traveled via Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean.
- FactAssociated artifacts: Glass beads from Iran and India were also found at the site.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the archaeological findings at Great Zimbabwe, consider the following statements:
- The pottery shard traveled to Great Zimbabwe via the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
- Glass beads from Iran and India have also been discovered at the site.
- The identified pottery shard is a jade-green Longquan celadon from southeast China.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The shard traveled via Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean.
For Mains
Q. How does the discovery of Chinese Longquan celadon at Great Zimbabwe reshape our understanding of pre-modern maritime trade networks and African economic history?
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Maritime connectivity: Evidence of multi-regional trade hubs connecting East Asia, the Middle East, and Southern Africa.
- Archaeological methodology: Use of chemical and thermal analysis to trace provenance of ancient trade goods.
Keywords: Maritime Silk Road · Trade Networks · Archaeological Provenance · Globalisation · Great Zimbabwe
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