本文是從中國古代政治發展自多元到一統的過程中分析文化的獨特性與共通性，指出政治力量對文化的形塑作用，同時檢測文化有多少獨立自主性。全文分作八節，第一節指出所謂「多元一體格局」理論，在方法上是重視「一體性」遠過於「多元性」的。第二節討論「中國」概念形成於戰國，而其範圍基本上是《尚書‧禹貢》的九州。這是本文論述的地理基礎。第三節，討論此地理範圍內新石器時代文化的多元現象。第四節到「前國家」階段，各地仍然有其特色，「中國」範圍內文化的統一性甚弱。第五節進入城邦時代，統合性出現而且加強，不過城邦的政治形態基本上是肯定多元的。第六節專論城邦時代青銅器的都會風格與區域風格之起伏。第七節舉戰國晚期的埋葬禮俗與日書論述政治一統和文化同質二者存在著複雜的關係。最後，指出所謂漢化多脫離不了軍政作前導和後盾。

This paper analyzes both unique and universal features of culture during the ancient Chinese political system’s progression from multiplicity to unity. Both the power of politics in shaping culture and the degree of independence the culture may hold are examined. The paper is divided into eight parts. The first part shows that according to the theory of “division in unity” recently popularized in China, the tendency for unification was greater than that for division. The second part deals with how “Zhongguo (central state)” was conceptualized during the Warring States period, originating from the nine zhou of “Shangshu, Yugong.” The paper will focus on issues within these ancient geographic boundaries. The third part discusses the multiplicity of Neolithic cultures within this geographical area. The fourth part examines the “proto-state” stage when local characteristics were strong and unity of the area weak. The fifth part discusses the urban center period, when standardization emerged and became systematic. Political forms, however, remained diverse. The sixth part studies the variations of bronze vessel styles in the metropolis and its peripheries. The seventh part discusses the complex relationship between political unification and cultural conformity in the latter Warring period, using burial rituals and Day Books as examples. Finally, the last part shows how the military and administration necessarily led and sustained the so-called “sinicization” process.

中國; 區系類型; 前國家; 區域風格

China; type of area and lineage; pre-state period; local style