Spatiotemporal Distribution of Inscription Sites in Henan Province

Abstract

This paper takes 1929 inscription sites in Henan Province as the study object and uses methods such as kernel density and nearest neighbor index to analyze their spatiotemporal distribution patterns and influencing factors. It also studies those patterns of various levels of inscription cultural relics’ protection units and content. All of these will help our understanding of the development process and characteristics of Central Plains art and provide reference for the protection and development of inscriptions in Henan in the future. The study indicates the following: (1) The spatial distribution of inscription sites is relatively uneven and the clustering is obvious, being mainly concentrated in the northern and northwestern regions of Henan, showing the characteristics of “one belt and four clusters” as a whole. The density is high in the north and low in the south, gradually decreasing from north to south. (2) In terms of time, the number of these inscription sites shows a fluctuating trend of first a slight increase and then a decrease with a significant increase and then a decrease. The center of the sites migrates from southwest to northeast over time. (3) These inscriptions can be divided into five primary themes and further subdivided into 16 secondary themes in terms of content. The main type is chronicle. (4) Inscriptions in Henan are mainly influenced by five major factors: topography, climate, economy and transportation, politics and society, culture and religion.