Shimu
Shimu means "Eye of the Pig", it is the name of an individual star in the ancient Chinese constellation of Tian Shi, The Celestial Pig, in Neolithic China.
Etymology and History
The Lingjiatan site, a significant Neolithic settlement in Anhui Province, China, dating back 5,300 to 5,800 years, is known for its exquisite jade artifacts and insights into early Chinese civilization, specifically the Lingjiatan culture. A jade pig found that is identified with the constellation later called Kui, The Legs (Shi Yunli 2024).[1] Several jade artifacts shaped like pigs, closely resembling this constellation, have been excavated from tombs in the sacrificial area of the Lingjiatan Culture (5800–5300 BP) in Anhui. Notably, the largest jade pig exhibits a unique orientation that closely aligns with the constellation's posture at its heliacal rising during the vernal equinox in the Lingjiatan region over five thousand years ago (see animated star chart).
The identification of the jade objects with the constellation later called Kui is supported by a phrase written by a historian of the Western Han Dynasty (201 to 8 BCE): in the Annals of Heavenly Offices (Tiānguān shū, 天官书) within the Records of the Historian (Shǐjì, 史记) by Sima Qian (司马迁, fl. 135–91 BCE), the Head Grand Historian of the Western Han Dynasty (201–8 BCE), it is mentioned:
"The Crotch is called Fēngshǐ (封豕), which is responsible for matters related to ditches and canals."
Additionally, the determinative star of Kui, known as "Tianshi Mu" (Eyes of the Heavenly Pig), corresponds precisely to the position of the eyes on the jade pig.
Maps (Gallery)
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Star Name Discussion (IAU)
In 2025, the name of the historical constellation "xxx" was suggested to be used for one of the stars in this constellation. ...
Decision: ...
References
- ↑ Shi Yunli. The astronomical meaning of some jade artifacts unearthed at the Lingjiatan Site. 2: The Jade Pigs. Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage , 2024, 27(3), 503-520.
