[Examining the cultural implications of oyster shells from the Han Tombs at Mawangdui]

The purpose of this paper is to explore the cultural meanings of the oyster shells unearthed from No. 3 Han Tomb of Mawangdui in Changsha, Hunan Province, by analyzing the relevant literature recordings of oysters in the pre-Qin and Han Dynasties and the unearthed situation of oysters in other early tombs. It was found that oyster shells unearthed in Mawangdui may also have the role of dispelling evil, and help people become 'immortal gods' after death, aside from the use for medicine. It was believed that the three factors were interrelated, indicating the feature of natural transforming from one shape to another. Oyster shells were then believed to be a part of nature and societal system, demonstrating the consistence between nature and human, based on the observation of the natural properties of oysters. The further exploration of medical use of oyster shells and its cultural indication with the three factors indicates the understanding and thinking of human towards nature, human and society in a peculiar historical and cultural context.