The persistence and ubiquity of the dagger-axe in combat was not
reflected in a concomitant symbolic importance. In the symbolic realm it
was the axe that assumed supreme importance for a general or a ruler.
Very few axes were used in combat, but axes were used to behead inferiors
who transgressed against the authorities. Fu Hao’s tomb, for example,
contained two large,finely cast bronze axes, one of which had her name
cast on it. These axes were too heavy for combat at 8. 5 kg each, and rather
were used as symbols of military command. When a general was sent on a
campaign in the Spring and Autumn period the ruler charged him with his
duties and gave him either a bow or an axe.^9
Lady Hao’s burial with a pair of axes is explained by a much later,
Warring States period text, theLiutao:
The ruler personally took the ax by its head and presented the handle to the
commander, and then said,“From here upward to Heaven you shall regulate it.”
He took a second ax and presented the handle to the commander and said,“From
here downward to the [Yellow] Springs [realm of the dead] you shall regulate it.”
Having thus received the symbols of authority from the ruler, the
commander made a request:
I desire that you grant one more charge to me, and if you do not agree then I will not
dare to command. I will obey your commands but all orders will come from me.
When I meet the enemy and decide tofight, I will have an undivided mind. In this
way then I will have no Heaven above, no Earth below, no enemy in front, and no
prince behind.^10
illustration 2.Gehalberd head, late Western Zhou to mid–Warrring States
period, Laufer Collection. Courtesy of the Field Museum and Ernest Caldwell.
Photo by Ernest Caldwell.
20 Stone Age through the Spring and Autumn Period