Analysis and Related Research of the Fiber Residues Unearthed from Dabuzi Han Tomb in Xi'an, Shaanxi

In 2021, archaeologists found that a bronze mirror was wrapped with yellow-green fiber sheet in the Western Han tomb M68 in Dabuzi Cemetery in Xi'an. For ascertaining the composition and function, Scanning electronic microscope(SEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and Pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometer(Py-GC-MS) were combined for the morphology and components’ analysis. The results showed that the surface of the yellow-green fiber sheet was very rough without curtain patterns, and the fiber was intertwined disorderly. The paper was quite thick with various thickness(the average thickness was 0.58 mm)and the average diameter of the fiber was 20.71 μm. There were obvious transverse joint stripes on the fiber cell with longitudinal stripes characteristic of ramie or hemp. The main ingredients were cellulose, semi-cellulose and lignin. Based on the above comprehensive joint experiments, the yellow-green fiber sheet in M68 was presumably ancient hemp paper made of fixed-mould method. Moreover, it was speculated to be package materials since no characters were found.This paper was of great significance for studying Chinese paper making technique.