Bi disc
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Under Bi-Disks ( Chinese 璧 , Pinyin Bì ) refers Jadescheiben with a hole in the center, which in ancient China were used for ceremonial purposes. They are described in ancient Chinese texts as badges of rank and used as ritual objects in the Liangzhu culture (3300–2300 BC) of Neolithic China. The largest finding places of the Bi-Discs are graves of high-ranking deceased, where they were found together with Cong-tubes . It is believed that these objects symbolize the sky. The exact meaning varies from dynasty to dynasty. Only a few details are known today. For example, the Bi disks were given to the deceased at a funeral to show them the way to heaven. However, this privilege was reserved for the aristocracy. In another example, the disc was given to the winner after losing a fight.
Appearance
Bi discs are usually round and have a hole in the middle. The diameter is usually between 25 and 30 centimeters. However, there are also specimens of one centimeter and some with a size of over half a meter. In earlier times they were undecorated, later engraved with artistic motifs.
