Abstract:

Handprint on the surface of tomb brick is a special printed image consciously left by potters when they made and produced bricks, which is a particular cultural phenomenon. Research of modern forensic medicine, dactylography and trace inspection has indicated that the handprint is closely related to the basic physical characteristics of humans. Using the basis methods of these disciplines, we also can deduce the basic physical characteristics of ancient people. By measuring and analyzing the handprints on tomb bricks from the Eastern Han dynasty and the Southern dynasty in Guangxi and Guangdong provinces, we can discuss the sexual, age, handedness, stature, body weight and somatotype of ancient potters. It was indicated that most potters were young and middle-aged men and a few juveniles and females were also present. And most of potters were of medium height and a little short, which is slightly different from modern people in Guangxi and Guangdong provinces. This study provides a new perspective to understand the ancient potters` group structure characteristics and the ancient handicraft industry in Southern China.

Key words: Bricks, Hand-printed, Physical, Eastern Han, Southern Dynasty