The relationship between the Shang and the ethnic groups on the Northern Frontiers as reflected in the northern-style bronzes unearthed in Yinxu Site

Archaeological analysis reveals that northern-style bronzes found at the Yinxu Site, particularly from the late stages of Phase I and II during the reigns of Kings Wu Ding and Zu Jia, signify frequent warfare between the Shang Dynasty and ethnic groups inhabiting the Northern Frontier Zone. This study suggests that these ethnic groups, such as the Qiong Fang, Tu Fang, or Fang Fang, primarily resided in mountainous regions spanning western Shanxi, northeastern Shaanxi, and northern Hebei Provinces. By examining oracle bone inscriptions and the characteristics of frontier bronzes, researchers propose that military conflict was the primary form of interaction between the Shang and these northern groups, highlighting its significance for establishing exchange networks with the Eurasian Steppe.

Zhu, F. (2014). The relationship between the Shang and the ethnic groups on the Northern Frontiers as reflected in the northern-style bronzes unearthed in Yinxu Site. Chinese Archaeology, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/char-2014-0017