Culture reflected in the mirrors

The article is a detailed review of the translation of the book by Siberian archaeologists into the Chinese language. A. A. Tishkin and N. N. Seregin’s book describes the collection of bronze mirrors from the Altay State University’s Museum of archaeology and ethnography. The most part of the collection was obtained during regular archaeological excavations and is well documented and attributed because of that. The Chinese edition was based on the monograph published in Russian in 2011. It contains a catalogue of 34 mirrors (including pieces) with detailed descriptions, drawings and colored photos. The earliest specimens dated by Maiemir period and the latest ones - by Mongolian epoch. A special chapter presents the results of roentgenofluoroscence analysis and determi nation of chemical components of metal of mirrors made by specialists of the State Hermitage. These evidences give us opportunity to determine the sources of raw minerals, centers of ore processing, directions of cultural and trade contacts, extent of imported goods and tradition to copy of prestigious items (such as mirrors) in different historical periods. Special attention is paid to socio-cultural and world-outlook aspects, connected with the interpretation of the mirrors’ finds. There was demonstrated high semiotic status of mirrors among the nomads - the bearers of different cultures during various epochs. In the same time, the authors justly noted that many aspects in mirrors’ investigation remained quiet debatable. Publishing this monograph in Chinese will enlarge the number of specialists who may take part in this discussion. In its turn, it would give new impulse to more deep studies of ancient cultures of Altay (in the broad sense of this name), Central Asia and Northern China. The issue of the book reflects the steady tendency in Chinese historiography of the last two decades aimed at studying excavated materials as well as research methods from Russian archaeological literature. As representative example we can take the edition of special archaeological volume of the «Great Chinese Encyclopedia» which contains dozens of articles about Russian archaeological items (including those of Central Asia). It should be noted also the high professional level of translation and editing of the reviewed book provided by the specialists of several institutes in Xian (Shaanxi Province, China). The work of translators is planned to be continued in the Shaanxi Archaeological Institute, in close cooperation with Siberian colleagues.