More than 2,000 years ago, this "little snake" witnessed the central government's jurisdiction over Hainan.

In the long history of Hainan, there is a precious snake-shaped seal that quietly tells the past years. It is the Han Dynasty Zhulu Zhikui (kuī) seal collected in the Hainan Provincial Museum. This seemingly small seal actually carries a heavy historical and cultural value, like a secret key, unlocking many codes of the "End of the World" more than 2,000 years ago.

Han Dynasty Zhu Lu Zhi Ke Seal Image Source: Internet

The Zhu Lu Zhi Kui seal was unearthed in Tanpei Village, Zhizhong Town, Ledong County, Hainan Province in 1984. It is a silver square seal with a side length of about 2.4 cm. It is small and exquisite but heavy. The seal button is in the shape of a snake, with a winding and coiled body. The shape is flexible and the craftsmanship is delicate, as if it will swim at the next moment. The four characters "Zhu Lu Zhi Kui" are engraved in seal script on the seal face. The brushstrokes are vigorous, simple and elegant, showing the unique artistic beauty of Han Dynasty seal script. The few words allow people in later generations to get a glimpse of the calligraphy atmosphere of that era.

Zhulu Zhikui seal with seal script carved on it. Image source: Internet

Back in the late Western Han Dynasty, this seal was granted by the imperial court to the governor of Zhulu County. Although Hainan was located in a remote area at that time, it was an indispensable part of the territory of the Han Dynasty. Zhulu County was part of the administrative region, and this seal symbolized the central government's jurisdiction and governance over the local area. Officials holding this seal held an imperial decree, exercising their powers on behalf of the emperor, managing the people, dispatching materials, handling disputes, and maintaining local order and stability.

Judging from the material, silver was not an ordinary metal in the Han Dynasty. The use of silver to cast the seal highlights the special status of the seal holder and the importance the court attached to the management of Zhulu County. The snake-shaped button also has a special meaning. In ancient culture, snakes symbolize mystery and agility. Combined with the regional characteristics of Hainan, where there are many snakes and insects, or local cultural elements are incorporated according to local conditions, it implies that officials should be flexible and smooth in their administration, and be good at cleverly resolving local problems.

Han Dynasty Zhu Lu Zhi Ke Seal Image Source: Internet

The excavation of the Zhulu Zhikai Seal is of great significance. From the perspective of archaeology, it proves the historical fact that the county system was implemented in Hainan, provides solid physical evidence for the study of Hainan's administrative structure and regional division in the Han Dynasty, and fills in many gaps in historical materials. Historians can use this to clarify the operating model of Hainan under the centralized system in the late Western Han Dynasty, understand the administrative level and functions of Zhulu County, and gain insight into the subtle relationship between the integration and penetration of Central Plains culture and Hainan's local culture.

In the cultural field, it enriches Hainan's local cultural heritage, becomes a symbol of regional culture, and inspires Hainanese people's cultural pride and sense of belonging. This seal frequently appears in various cultural and museum exhibitions, allowing visitors to transcend time and space, touch the pulse of history, and feel the wisdom of their ancestors. It has become an emotional bond between the public and ancient Hainan, silently telling the long history of Hainan and reminding the world to cherish the past and inherit the cultural context.

After years of vicissitudes, the Zhulu Zhike Seal has been preserved intact, which is a blessing. Today, it is properly collected, studied and displayed, and the historical memory it carries will not be covered in dust. It continues to inspire future generations to explore Hainan's past and explore the magnificent journey of China's diverse integration and coordinated development, becoming a shining treasure in Hainan's historical and cultural sky.