Nephrite origins of ancient jade artifacts from the Houtaomuga site in Northeast China

Abstract Located in the core region of prehistoric cultures in Northeast China, the Houtaomuga site preserves Neolithic jade artifacts, yet their composition and provenance remain uncertain. Six intact artifacts and three fragments were analysed using macroscopic observation, physical testing, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. All samples are nephrite, providing a mineralogical basis for provenance assessment. Two groups are distinguished: white to greyish-white, transparent to semi-transparent intact artifacts, and grey-yellowish green, translucent fragments. The intact artifacts retain naturally weathered surfaces, suggesting that working followed small, irregular raw stones. Comparison with published reference data suggests that the white nephrite is not consistent with known sources in Xiuyan (China), Chuncheon (South Korea) or the Baikal region (Russia), whereas the grey-yellowish green fragments most closely resemble Xiuyan nephrite. These results clarify raw-material diversity at Houtaomuga and outline multiple modes of jade supply in Neolithic Northeast Asia, reflecting contrasting procurement and working strategies.