Abstract:

Based on the quantitative data, the authors systematically analyzed the deformation mode, degree and symmetry of 101 female foot bones in Taohuayuan cemetery in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The results show that although the morphology of bilateral foot bones of a woman with foot binding will be different due to the differences of individual physical development, behavior habits or foot binding techniques, the deformation of bilateral foot bones is generally symmetrical. In addition to the hook shape change of scaphoid tuberosity, the effect of foot binding on tarsal bone mainly lies in the reduction of overall size and the change of articular surface. In addition to the reduction of the overall size of the first metatarsal, the lateral articular surface is obviously prominent, the bone body tends to be flat, the anterior width of the body is greater than the posterior width, and the metatarsal head also produces dissolution and atrophy due to arthritis caused by foot binding. The second and third metatarsal bodies are flat, and the size of the head and bottom is reduced, but the deformation is small. Very few of the fourth metatarsal head will be squeezed to form a flat shape, with slight deformation at the bottom. The deformation degree of the whole sample of the fifth metatarsal bone is different, the deformation of the metatarsal head is diverse, and the trochanter of the fifth metatarsal bone is also deformed. Except that the first proximal phalanx was less affected by foot binding, the deformation of other proximal phalanx was serious. The lateral differences between the first and second proximal phalanges are small, but there are obvious lateral differences in the length and height of the third to fifth proximal phalanges, especially the overall bilateral asymmetry of the third proximal phalanges. The results of the study on the correlation between age and foot binding show that according to the current sample age range, this group has foot binding at least at 18 years old, and the foot bone has been deformed after 25 years old. Due to the lack of samples under the age of 18 years old in this study, it is impossible to determine the age at which the bone begins to deform. In some individuals, the degree of foot bone deformation is relatively light, and they may only have straight foot fibers without bending. Because the degree of foot bone deformation is not related to the number of funerary objects, the difference of foot bone deformation is likely to be related to physical diseases, work needs, the methods or concept of foot binding.

Key words: Foot binding, deformation, Jizhou, Taohuayuan Cemetery, Ming and Qing Dynasties