ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights two key concepts of the Liangzhu Culture: ‘Power’ and ‘belief’ through the study of Liangzhu society and jade, with the aim of understanding the symbiotic structure of Liangzhu social power and its belief system. The set of zhuixingqi awl-shaped objects reflects both the power and belief in Liangzhu society. The Liangzhu site cluster has remained at the centre of discussions on Liangzhu social power. The relationship between power and space, the spatial changes over time could be considered a part of this process of the establishment, consolidation, and expansion of power. The differences between male and female jade use can be clearly seen in the Liangzhu tombs, especially in the elite burials. Power often manifests itself in the control and use of specific resources. In the Liangzhu Culture, the control of jade-stone industry is not only a manifestation of social power but also a source of social power.
