The last glacial period was vital for the distribution and evolution of early modern humans in Asia. The Shuidonggou Late Paleolithic site, dated at 30-20 ka BP, accumulated cultural remains during the important late ...The last glacial period was vital for the distribution and evolution of early modern humans in Asia. The Shuidonggou Late Paleolithic site, dated at 30-20 ka BP, accumulated cultural remains during the important late stage of MIS 3 period in the last glacial. These remains represent characteristics of typical Late Paleolithic conditions in North China:high degree of standardization and morphological variability of tool types, exploitation of bone materials, systematic use of body decorations, extensive use of earth-pit hearths, distinct functional spatial organization within habitations, and conversion of subsistence patterns. These characteristics illustrate early modern human behaviors during the late MIS3 period, and provide clues and perspectives for the analysis of early modern human origins in China. At the same time, the conversion of subsistence patterns is considered to be a combination of multiple early modern human behaviors, as well as the result of the Broad Spectrum Revolution. In this paper, we argue for the dynamic mechanism of Broad Spectrum Revolution from a human behavioral and ecological perspective.展开更多
The debates over the origin of modern humans have long been centered on two competing theories:the "Out-of-Africa"(single-place origin) theory and the "Multi-regional Evolution" theory.China is an ...The debates over the origin of modern humans have long been centered on two competing theories:the "Out-of-Africa"(single-place origin) theory and the "Multi-regional Evolution" theory.China is an extremely important region where many ancient human fossils were collected along with numerous associated faunal remains and artefacts.These cultural remains,unearthed from different areas in the country and covering a long time span,will help clarify the controversy.The study of cultural materials in China is expected to shed important light on biological evolutionary patterns and social and technical developments of those early humans as well as their environmental conditions.Based on the analysis of Chinese fossils and associated materials,in conjunction with some genetic studies,this paper aims at evaluating each of the two theories in order to stimulate more discussions.Our study suggests that the evolutionary model of "Continuity with Hybridization" is most relevant in reflecting the current understanding of human evolutionary history in China.Furthermore,we propose that the concept of regional diversity of evolutionary models should be seriously considered to illustrate different evolutionary modes applied to different parts of the world.展开更多
Historical records and archaeological remains indicate that the Chinese agricultural economy changed significantly from the Warring States (475-221 BC) to Han Dynasties (206 BC-220 AD), i.e., from rice-millet based ag...Historical records and archaeological remains indicate that the Chinese agricultural economy changed significantly from the Warring States (475-221 BC) to Han Dynasties (206 BC-220 AD), i.e., from rice-millet based agriculture to rice-millet-wheat based agriculture. However, the variation of human diets and the inner relationship between human diets and the agricultural transition during this period remain poorly understood. In this paper, the C and N stable isotopes from human and animal bones at the Shenmingpu site (SMPS), Xichuan County, Henan Province were analyzed. If some outliers (M34, M36, M102) were excluded, the mean 13C value (( 16.7±0.8)‰, n=15) of humans in Han Dynasties was dramatically lower than that in the Warring States (( 12.7±0.8)‰, n=14), indicating that the cultivation of rice and wheat, especially wheat, had been more widely popularized in Han Dynasties. Meanwhile, the range of 15N values of humans (6.6‰-9.3‰) in Han Dynasties was narrower than that of the Warring States (6.2‰-10.4‰), suggesting that the animal protein resources in human foods during Han Dynasties were more concentrated. The transition of human diets and the close relationship with the change of agricultural economy in SMPS were due to more stable society, the carryout of new agricultural policies, and the emergence of new agricultural tools in Han Dynasties.展开更多
This paper presents the results of a detailed study of mortality profiles of the large herbivores from the Middle Palaeolithic (MP) bone assemblage of the Lingjing Xuchang Man Site, Henan Province. Based on the analys...This paper presents the results of a detailed study of mortality profiles of the large herbivores from the Middle Palaeolithic (MP) bone assemblage of the Lingjing Xuchang Man Site, Henan Province. Based on the analysis of the crown heights of fossil teeth from this assemblage, we come to a conclusion that aurochs (Bos primigenius) and horse (Equus caballus) are the major prey species in this assemblage and the age structures of these animals can be best described as the "prime-dominated pattern". This study confirmed the well-established notions at many Middle and Upper Palaeolithic sites across Eurasia and Africa that MSA/MP foragers were fully effective in hunting aggressive prey species, particularly aurochs and horse. This find indicates that the hunting behaviors and subsistence strategies were not significantly different between MP and UP (the Upper Palaeolithic) humans in East Asia and hence suggests the early emergence of the modern human behaviors in this area.展开更多
Shuidonggou site has abundant Paleolithic remains of Late Pleistocene deposition. Studying the evolution of depositional environments is essential to the comprehensive understanding of the living conditions of ancient...Shuidonggou site has abundant Paleolithic remains of Late Pleistocene deposition. Studying the evolution of depositional environments is essential to the comprehensive understanding of the living conditions of ancient populations. To reconstruct the depositional environment at Shuidonggou, we carried out archaeological excavations and collected systematic deposition samples at the key position of Shuidonggou Locality 2 for grain size analysis and sporopollen statistics. The environmental evolution around the Shuidonggou site generally underwent four stages at ~72-18 kaBP. During the first stage (~72-41 kaBP), the river developed with gravel and sand stratums. During the second stage (41-34 kaBP), a swamp with numerous aquatic plants formed. In the third stage (34-29 kaBP), site formation was characterized by shallow lake depositional conditions; the climate was relatively warm and humid. The marginal bank depositional conditions deteriorated during the fourth stage (29-18 kaBP), and the site underwent several dry events; the climate also became drier and colder.展开更多
This paper undertook the C and N stable isotopic analysis of human bones unearthed at the Gouwan site in Xichuan,Henan,to reveal the human diets and to explore the lifestyle of humans and the development of rice and m...This paper undertook the C and N stable isotopic analysis of human bones unearthed at the Gouwan site in Xichuan,Henan,to reveal the human diets and to explore the lifestyle of humans and the development of rice and millet agriculture.The contribution of rice to human diets was almost equal to that of millet in this site though millet agriculture is the traditional economic model for the middle Yellow River Valley.On the other hand,the comparison of C and N stable isotopes in different cultural periods clearly indicates changes in millet and rice agriculture.Humans mainly depended on agriculture and gathering in the Yangshao Culture I. Millet agriculture,livestock rearing,and fishing were enhanced in the Yangshao Culture II.Millet agriculture and animal husbandry developed steadily in the Yangshao Culture III.After that the mixed rice and millet agriculture developed further.In addition,rice agriculture spread to the north in the climate suitable for cultural exchanges between north and south in the Yangshao Culture phases.In the Qujialing Culture period,under a colder climate,the rice farming was not dominant,though the Qujialing Culture played a key role in the site.展开更多
In the past years we carried out further stratigraphy division in field and it is found that rich stone artifacts can be found in fluvial-shallow lake-alluvial sediments on the terrace Ⅱ of Biangou River, in Shuidong...In the past years we carried out further stratigraphy division in field and it is found that rich stone artifacts can be found in fluvial-shallow lake-alluvial sediments on the terrace Ⅱ of Biangou River, in Shuidonggou site, Ningxia and they are SDG1, 2 and 7. More luminescence and AMS 14C dating in laboratory show that Paleolithic culture develops during the Upper Paleolithic period with ages of 35―20 ka. The Paleolithic culture of SDG 1 is a little earlier than that of SDG 2 similar to SDG 7. The sandy sediments on terrace Ⅱ of Biangou River deposits in the past 72―18 ka, corresponding to Last Glacial. SDG2 has a stable sedimentary environment, resulting in the continuous stratigraphy, thickest deposits and rich environment and culture information, which can be regarded as the important and classic paleoanthropological section of Late Pleistocene in this region.展开更多
There is a wide diversity of landforms in China. The topography of three major ter- races, decreasing in height stepwise from west to east, was formed by the early Miocene. With the commencement of the Great Northern ...There is a wide diversity of landforms in China. The topography of three major ter- races, decreasing in height stepwise from west to east, was formed by the early Miocene. With the commencement of the Great Northern Hemisphere Glaciations (GHGs) and the glacial-interglacial cycles in the Pleistocene, thick loess deposits accumulated in north China, and fluvial terraces were formed and lakes expanded and contracted in eastern and central China. The earliest evidence of hominins in China is dated to ~1.7 Ma; they occupied the monsoon-dominated region for a long interval, until the late Pleistocene, ~50 ka. In this study, we investigated a large area rich in the relics and artifacts of early man. The results indicate that the early humans occupied riverine areas, especially medium-sized fluvial basins, and lake shores. Even in the relatively recent geological past, the occupation and abandonment of settlements were directly forced by the shifting of sand dune fields in the desert-loess transi- tional zone, which in turn was closely associated with variations in the monsoon climate and vegetation patterns. Our observations indicate that landforms were one of the main determi- nants of early human behavior, in that loess tableland, large alluvial plains, desert-Gobi areas, and the Tibetan Plateau, were not suitable environments for early human settlement. We infer that the early humans in China adapted their behavior to specific landforms and landform processes. The monsoon climate, which shapes the large-scale step-like pattern of fluvial landforms, promotes vegetation coverage and dominates soil formation, provides a crucial context for early human adaptation. The adaptation of early humans to earth surface proc- esses in East Asia is investigated for the first time in this study. Future investigations will provide further information that will increase our understanding of the linkage between early human behavior and landform processes in East Asia.展开更多
Fossilized caryopses (or grains) of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) are important archaeobotanical materials for the study of early human agricultural activities.The morpholog...Fossilized caryopses (or grains) of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) are important archaeobotanical materials for the study of early human agricultural activities.The morphology and ultrastructural characteristics of carbonized modern millets caryopses treated in a drying oven and burning in a field were investigated at different temperatures to study how fossilized millets are formed.The caryopses shrank gradually at temperatures below 200°C,and starch granules in the endosperm retained their crystalline structure.At 250°C the foxtail millet caryopses expanded,whereas the broomcorn millet caryopses were greatly deformed.At this temperature,the structure of the starch granules of both millets became amorphous.At 300°C the caryopses partially turned to ash and became porous,and the ultrastructure of the starch granules was transformed into alveolate cavities.Fossil caryopses from the prehistoric storage cellar at the Beiniu Site retained their crystalline structure and were formed by the dehydrating effect of carbonization,indicating that water molecules were not involved in the starch crystallization.The results of a field burning experiment demonstrated that the ultrastructure of carbonized caryopses placed on the ground under the fire was amorphous.The amorphous ultrastructure of the carbonized caryopses recovered from the archaeological layers is consistent with the expected structure of caryopses that have been carbonized at 250°C.Therefore,we suggest that the recovered caryopses were formed at about 250°C by baking rather than by burning in an open fire.展开更多
The Donggutuo site, situated in the east margin of Nihewan basin, is one of the most important Paleolithic sites in China, characterized by the longest excavation seasons and the most abundant cultural remains recover...The Donggutuo site, situated in the east margin of Nihewan basin, is one of the most important Paleolithic sites in China, characterized by the longest excavation seasons and the most abundant cultural remains recovered in the region. Based on well-constructed sporopollen, sediment grain size analysis, magnetic susceptibility, and iron oxide analysis of the 2000―2001 excavated section, four stages of environmental change in the Nihewan Beds are identified by the authors. The results indicate four major stages of environment and climate change from 1) warm and humid forest grass to 2) temperate and humid forest grass to 3) temperate and dry forest grass to 4) warm and humid forest, which is suitable for hominid occupation. The changes correspond to the stages of lake transgression and regression. The environment after the lake died out away has been cold and dry boschveld. The hominid activities at the site took place in the Early Pleistocene (1.10 Ma), which corresponds to the early three environmental stages. Therefore, it can be inferred that the early hominids adapted to the relatively low lake level episodes through activities involving sporadic stone tool making, procuring of raw materials for tools, concentrating stone artifacts, and hunting and butchering. In conclusion, the results will be of great significance to research regarding the relationship between hominid occupation and environmental changes as well as the adaptive behaviors of early humans at the Donggutuo site.展开更多
Intra-site spatial analysis provides an alternative perspective for understanding the functions of a site, and the occupational organization of early human living and activities associated with it. We examined feature...Intra-site spatial analysis provides an alternative perspective for understanding the functions of a site, and the occupational organization of early human living and activities associated with it. We examined features and cultural remains recovered from Locality 2 at Shuidonggou, a Late Paleolithic site, focusing on early occupants' survival behaviors and settlement patterns, as indicated by evidence regarding the functional organization of the site. Three-dimensional data from unearthed remains (including lithic assemblages, faunal remains, ornaments, etc) were used to reconstruct intra-site use patterns of Cultural Layer 2, which yielded seven earth-pit hearths and tens of thousands of artifacts and bones. We discuss the population size and group composition, as well as the functions of the living spaces, based on the analysis of the hearth patterns and the ostrich eggshell ornaments surround the hearths. In conclusion, Cultural Layer 2 of SDG Locality 2 appears to have functioned as a base camp for ancient foragers, where occupants produced tools, as well as preparing and consuming food.展开更多
More than ten thousands of bone fragments were recovered from the Lingjing site, Henan Province during 2005 and 2006. In this paper, through the quantification and statistical analyses of the skeletal elements of the ...More than ten thousands of bone fragments were recovered from the Lingjing site, Henan Province during 2005 and 2006. In this paper, through the quantification and statistical analyses of the skeletal elements of the two predominant species in this assemblage, aurochs (Bos primigenius) and horse (Equus caballus), the differential influences and weights of a variety of taphonomic agencies in the formation of the assemblage are assessed respectively. Compared to the natural agencies, hominid hunting and the subsequent disarticulation, slaughtering, and their transport of the bone elements of the prey species are the main factors accounting for the formation of the present assemblage. More importantly, this study initiatively identifies hominid's differential treatment of the bones of aurochs and horse in the Paleolithic record of East Asia and demonstrably suggests that hominids at the site have already practiced sophisticated hunting techniques and subsistence strategies and may be quite familiar with the ecological and anatomical characteristics and nutritional values of the large-sized prey animals and can accordingly take different processing and handling strategies at the hunting site.展开更多
Exploring and interpreting the mode of cognition and behavioral patterns of prehistoric hunter-gatherers is always one of the main goals of current Paleolithic research. In the 1940s, French prehistorians proposed the...Exploring and interpreting the mode of cognition and behavioral patterns of prehistoric hunter-gatherers is always one of the main goals of current Paleolithic research. In the 1940s, French prehistorians proposed the technological method for studying lithic assemblages which opened a brand-new perspective on the prehistoric domain. In the 1960s, French ethnographer and anthropologist André Leroi-Gourhan proposed the concept "chane opératoire" and established the theory of lithic technological study. After the 1980s, the concept "chane opératoire" was substituted for two different but complementary concepts: techno-cognition and techno-economy, which contributed not only to revealing the technical knowledge and know-how applied during lithic production but also to interpreting the technical behavior of prehistoric hunter-gatherers from social and economic viewpoints. The lithic technological study of the Guanyindong site, presented in this paper, was carried out for the first time by applying lithic technological method developed by French prehistorians to the Chinese materials. Our analytical results demonstrated that the débitage system of Guanyindong is quite distinct from the concept Levallois largely used in Europe, Near-East and Africa. The differentiation between these two débitage modes may contribute to exploring and interpreting the relationship in Middle Paleolithic between China and Europe, Near-East and Africa.展开更多
More than ten thousand bone fragments were recovered from the Lingjing site, Henan Province, during 2005 and 2006. A taphonomic analysis of the faunal remains strongly indicates that hominids have a dominant role in t...More than ten thousand bone fragments were recovered from the Lingjing site, Henan Province, during 2005 and 2006. A taphonomic analysis of the faunal remains strongly indicates that hominids have a dominant role in the accumulation and modification of the assemblage. Based on the taphonomic and zooarcheological characteristics of the animal remains, including species richness, mortality patterns, skeletal element profiles, and bone surface-modifications, and on the local ecology, we suggest that the Lingjing site is a Middle Paleolithic kill-butchery site rather than a home base for early humans. The presence of large numbers of stone artifacts may therefore signify a strong sense of planning and farsightedness in the subsistence strategies of early human groups. The Lingjing site is presently the only taphonomically-identified, Middle Paleolithic kill-butchery site known in North China.展开更多
Unearthed artifacts and cultural relics from the Shuidonggou site revealed extensive information and insights regarding the activities of early modern humans.A series of experimental research and physical analysis sug...Unearthed artifacts and cultural relics from the Shuidonggou site revealed extensive information and insights regarding the activities of early modern humans.A series of experimental research and physical analysis suggest that stone artifacts from Locality 2 and Locality 12 have undergone heat treatment.The utilization ratio and knapping properties of raw materials were consequently enhanced.Heat treatment technology reflects the production capacities and the survival strategies in the Upper Paleolithic period.This discovery indicates the earliest existence of this technology in the East Asia and thus confirms a wider geographic distribution of this technology which provides new perspectives and evidence for understanding the associated early modern human behaviors.展开更多
Changes in the levels ofbiogenic silica (BSi%) in lake sediments have been widely used in order to study lake productivity and palaeoclimatic changes. However, the provenance of biogenic silica (BSi) needs to be i...Changes in the levels ofbiogenic silica (BSi%) in lake sediments have been widely used in order to study lake productivity and palaeoclimatic changes. However, the provenance of biogenic silica (BSi) needs to be investigated for each lake, especially for large lakes, as does the relationship between levels of BSi and relevant environmental factors. In this study, we measured the percentage of BSi contained in lake sediments, river sediments, and surface soils within the Lake Qinghai catchment, and compared the quantities and shapes of diatoms and phytoliths before and after the extraction processes. The results suggest that BSi in lake sediments is primarily derived from endogenous diatoms; therefore, BSi levels can be used to reflect the changes in primary productivity within the lake. Further comparisons showed that on long-term timescales, the variations in BSi% are generally consistent with those in total organic carbon (TOC) and grain size, reflecting the dominant impacts of precipitation on primary productivity in Lake Qinghai. On short-term timescales, however, the relationship between BSi% and TOC and that between BSi% and grain size are not clear or stable. For example, BSi% sometimes covaried with grain size, but it was sometimes out of phase with or even inversely related to grain size. We speculate that both climate and environmental processes, such as the dilution effect, influence short-term BSi% and its related environmental significance. As a result, BSi% should be used selectively as an indicator of climatic changes on different time scales.展开更多
A comprehensive database of paleoenvironmental settings for paleoanthropological sites provides a useful tool to explore the link between human evolution and paleoenvironmental changes. A preliminary GIS-based environ...A comprehensive database of paleoenvironmental settings for paleoanthropological sites provides a useful tool to explore the link between human evolution and paleoenvironmental changes. A preliminary GIS-based environmental database for paleoanthropological sites in China (EDPC) was constructed based on data collected from published literature. The database currently contains 1114 paleoanthropological sites. It will be available for online access following the establishment of relevant rules, and after improvement and further development through regular and sustained updates by internal and external users. Preliminary analyses using the GIS system yielded new evidence regarding human-environmental relationships.展开更多
Enamel stable carbon isotope analyses were conducted on the large fossil ape Gigantopithecus blacki and an associated mammalian megafauna from Longgudong Cave in Jianshi and Juyuandong Cave in Liucheng, South China. T...Enamel stable carbon isotope analyses were conducted on the large fossil ape Gigantopithecus blacki and an associated mammalian megafauna from Longgudong Cave in Jianshi and Juyuandong Cave in Liucheng, South China. The range in δ13C values (-18.8‰ to -14.1‰) indicates that G. blacki and other large mammals fed on solely C3 biomass, and lived in forest habitats, and not open country or savannas. These results are consistent with other faunal and floral analyses for that time. The diet and habitat of G. blacki were significantly different from those of early hominins (Australopithecus and Paranthropus) from South and East Africa. Extinction of G. blacki probably was a result of forest habitat fragmentation and deterioration.展开更多
Built by the royal family in the Ming Dynasty,the Da Bao En Temple is known as the greatest temple in ancient Nanjing,whose predecessor is the Chang Gan Temple built in the Six Dynasties.Archaeological excavations of ...Built by the royal family in the Ming Dynasty,the Da Bao En Temple is known as the greatest temple in ancient Nanjing,whose predecessor is the Chang Gan Temple built in the Six Dynasties.Archaeological excavations of the Da Bao En Temple and the underground palace of Chang Gan Temple built in the North Song Dynasty(AD960 AD1127) have been appraised as one of the 10 greatest archaeological discoveries in 2010 in China.Many artefacts discovered in the underground palace have shown their important historical meanings and scientific values,such as the Qibao King Asoka Tower,golden and silver coffins,Buddhist relics,the silk textiles,glasses,and spices etc.In this paper,stereomicroscope,SEM-EDS and LA-ICP-AES are used to investigate chemical composition,microstructure and current preservation status for the unearthed glasswares.The results indicate that the glass bottle coded as TH1 and the glass calyx coded as TN5 are made of lead-silicate glass,while the chemical composition of the glass bottle coded as TN9 is quite distinct from that of native glasswares.All three articles have been weathered in some degrees.Given the shape,it is deduced that TH1 is a typical glassware used in burying Buddhist relics at that time,TN5 a domestic glassware with typical Sassanian style,and TN9 an imported Islamic glass,providing important information about culture exchanges between China and the foreign countries in the North Song Dynasty.展开更多
Cognition and symbolic thinking are viewed as important features of modern human behavior.Engraved objects are seen as a hallmark of cognition and symbolism,and even as evidence for language.Accumulated evidences incl...Cognition and symbolic thinking are viewed as important features of modern human behavior.Engraved objects are seen as a hallmark of cognition and symbolism,and even as evidence for language.Accumulated evidences including engraved bones,ochre,ostrich eggshells and stone artifacts were unearthed from Africa,Europe,Levant even Siberia Paleolithic sites.But the archaeological evidence for this,including beads,ornaments,burials,performed objects and engraved objects,is rarely discovered in the Pleistocene of East Asia.The present paper reports an engraved stone object unearthed in the Early Late Paleolithic levels about 30 ka BP at the Shuidonggou site(SDG) in northwestern China.It was unearthed in the 1980's excavation from Lower culture unit of SDG1 but was identified in 2011 when the first author of this article observed the collection from the 1980's excavations stored in the Institute of Archaeology of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region for further detailed lithic analysis.This lithic artifact is the first engraved non-organic object of the Paleolithic period found in China.In order to clarify the details of the incisions and to document the human intentional modifications,we used a KEYENCE VHX-600 Digital Microscope to measure and observe all the incisions in 3-dimensional perspective.Comparing the natural cracks and analyzing many details of the incisions,we argue that incisions on this stone artifact are the result of intentional behaviors by ancient humans.Also,we exclude the possible other causes including animal-induced damages,post-depositional phenomenon and unintentional by-products.Combining all these features,we suggest that the incisions were made by an intentional behavior and were probably of a non-utilitarian character.Because the nature of most other engraved objects in China is debate,we cannot get a clear scenario of the emergence and progress of modern human behavior in North China.But we infer the possible existence of a counting or recording system,or other symbolic behaviors,which reflect considerably evolved cognitive capacities or modern human behavior in the Early Late Paleolithic of East Asia.展开更多
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA05130303)the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(KZCX2-YW-Q1-04)the National Basic Research Program of China(2010CB950203)
文摘The last glacial period was vital for the distribution and evolution of early modern humans in Asia. The Shuidonggou Late Paleolithic site, dated at 30-20 ka BP, accumulated cultural remains during the important late stage of MIS 3 period in the last glacial. These remains represent characteristics of typical Late Paleolithic conditions in North China:high degree of standardization and morphological variability of tool types, exploitation of bone materials, systematic use of body decorations, extensive use of earth-pit hearths, distinct functional spatial organization within habitations, and conversion of subsistence patterns. These characteristics illustrate early modern human behaviors during the late MIS3 period, and provide clues and perspectives for the analysis of early modern human origins in China. At the same time, the conversion of subsistence patterns is considered to be a combination of multiple early modern human behaviors, as well as the result of the Broad Spectrum Revolution. In this paper, we argue for the dynamic mechanism of Broad Spectrum Revolution from a human behavioral and ecological perspective.
基金supported by National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2006CB806400)Specific Basic Research Program of Ministry of Sciences and Technology of China (Grant No. 2007FY110200)+2 种基金Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KZCX2-YW-Q1-04)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. J0603965)CAS/SAFEA International Partnership Program for Creative Research Teams, and Royal Ontario Museum Research Grant
文摘The debates over the origin of modern humans have long been centered on two competing theories:the "Out-of-Africa"(single-place origin) theory and the "Multi-regional Evolution" theory.China is an extremely important region where many ancient human fossils were collected along with numerous associated faunal remains and artefacts.These cultural remains,unearthed from different areas in the country and covering a long time span,will help clarify the controversy.The study of cultural materials in China is expected to shed important light on biological evolutionary patterns and social and technical developments of those early humans as well as their environmental conditions.Based on the analysis of Chinese fossils and associated materials,in conjunction with some genetic studies,this paper aims at evaluating each of the two theories in order to stimulate more discussions.Our study suggests that the evolutionary model of "Continuity with Hybridization" is most relevant in reflecting the current understanding of human evolutionary history in China.Furthermore,we propose that the concept of regional diversity of evolutionary models should be seriously considered to illustrate different evolutionary modes applied to different parts of the world.
基金supported by grants from CAS Knowledge Innovation Directional Project (Grant No.KZCX2-YW-Q1-04)CAS Strategic Priority Research Program (Grant Nos.XDA05130303, XDA05130501)+2 种基金Chinese Academy of Sciences & Max-Planck Institute Partnership Group Project (Grant No.KACX1-YW-0830)National Science and Technology Ministry (Grant No.2010BAK67B03)Relic Preservation Project of South-to-North Water Diversion
文摘Historical records and archaeological remains indicate that the Chinese agricultural economy changed significantly from the Warring States (475-221 BC) to Han Dynasties (206 BC-220 AD), i.e., from rice-millet based agriculture to rice-millet-wheat based agriculture. However, the variation of human diets and the inner relationship between human diets and the agricultural transition during this period remain poorly understood. In this paper, the C and N stable isotopes from human and animal bones at the Shenmingpu site (SMPS), Xichuan County, Henan Province were analyzed. If some outliers (M34, M36, M102) were excluded, the mean 13C value (( 16.7±0.8)‰, n=15) of humans in Han Dynasties was dramatically lower than that in the Warring States (( 12.7±0.8)‰, n=14), indicating that the cultivation of rice and wheat, especially wheat, had been more widely popularized in Han Dynasties. Meanwhile, the range of 15N values of humans (6.6‰-9.3‰) in Han Dynasties was narrower than that of the Warring States (6.2‰-10.4‰), suggesting that the animal protein resources in human foods during Han Dynasties were more concentrated. The transition of human diets and the close relationship with the change of agricultural economy in SMPS were due to more stable society, the carryout of new agricultural policies, and the emergence of new agricultural tools in Han Dynasties.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2006CB 806400)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40602006 and 40872115)
文摘This paper presents the results of a detailed study of mortality profiles of the large herbivores from the Middle Palaeolithic (MP) bone assemblage of the Lingjing Xuchang Man Site, Henan Province. Based on the analysis of the crown heights of fossil teeth from this assemblage, we come to a conclusion that aurochs (Bos primigenius) and horse (Equus caballus) are the major prey species in this assemblage and the age structures of these animals can be best described as the "prime-dominated pattern". This study confirmed the well-established notions at many Middle and Upper Palaeolithic sites across Eurasia and Africa that MSA/MP foragers were fully effective in hunting aggressive prey species, particularly aurochs and horse. This find indicates that the hunting behaviors and subsistence strategies were not significantly different between MP and UP (the Upper Palaeolithic) humans in East Asia and hence suggests the early emergence of the modern human behaviors in this area.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40902013)"Strategic Priority Research Program - Climate Change:Carbon Budget and Relevant Issues" of the ChineseAcademy of Sciences (Grant No.XDA05130202)
文摘Shuidonggou site has abundant Paleolithic remains of Late Pleistocene deposition. Studying the evolution of depositional environments is essential to the comprehensive understanding of the living conditions of ancient populations. To reconstruct the depositional environment at Shuidonggou, we carried out archaeological excavations and collected systematic deposition samples at the key position of Shuidonggou Locality 2 for grain size analysis and sporopollen statistics. The environmental evolution around the Shuidonggou site generally underwent four stages at ~72-18 kaBP. During the first stage (~72-41 kaBP), the river developed with gravel and sand stratums. During the second stage (41-34 kaBP), a swamp with numerous aquatic plants formed. In the third stage (34-29 kaBP), site formation was characterized by shallow lake depositional conditions; the climate was relatively warm and humid. The marginal bank depositional conditions deteriorated during the fourth stage (29-18 kaBP), and the site underwent several dry events; the climate also became drier and colder.
基金supported by the Knowledge Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No. KJCX3.SYW.N12)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.40702003)+4 种基金Relics Preservation Project of South-to-North Water Diversion(Grant No.A.07015)Cooperative Research Project between Chinese Academy of Sciences and Zhengzhou UniversityPartner group program of Max Plank Institute and Chinese Academy of SciencesProgram of Bureau of Planning & StrategyChinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No.KACX1-YW-0830)
文摘This paper undertook the C and N stable isotopic analysis of human bones unearthed at the Gouwan site in Xichuan,Henan,to reveal the human diets and to explore the lifestyle of humans and the development of rice and millet agriculture.The contribution of rice to human diets was almost equal to that of millet in this site though millet agriculture is the traditional economic model for the middle Yellow River Valley.On the other hand,the comparison of C and N stable isotopes in different cultural periods clearly indicates changes in millet and rice agriculture.Humans mainly depended on agriculture and gathering in the Yangshao Culture I. Millet agriculture,livestock rearing,and fishing were enhanced in the Yangshao Culture II.Millet agriculture and animal husbandry developed steadily in the Yangshao Culture III.After that the mixed rice and millet agriculture developed further.In addition,rice agriculture spread to the north in the climate suitable for cultural exchanges between north and south in the Yangshao Culture phases.In the Qujialing Culture period,under a colder climate,the rice farming was not dominant,though the Qujialing Culture played a key role in the site.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(Grant No. 2006CB806400)Basic Scientific Special Program of MST of China (Grant No. 2007FY110200)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40602020)
文摘In the past years we carried out further stratigraphy division in field and it is found that rich stone artifacts can be found in fluvial-shallow lake-alluvial sediments on the terrace Ⅱ of Biangou River, in Shuidonggou site, Ningxia and they are SDG1, 2 and 7. More luminescence and AMS 14C dating in laboratory show that Paleolithic culture develops during the Upper Paleolithic period with ages of 35―20 ka. The Paleolithic culture of SDG 1 is a little earlier than that of SDG 2 similar to SDG 7. The sandy sediments on terrace Ⅱ of Biangou River deposits in the past 72―18 ka, corresponding to Last Glacial. SDG2 has a stable sedimentary environment, resulting in the continuous stratigraphy, thickest deposits and rich environment and culture information, which can be regarded as the important and classic paleoanthropological section of Late Pleistocene in this region.
基金Foundation: National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.41472138, No.41401220, No.41472026 The CAS Strate- gic Priority Research Program Grant B, No.XDPB05 The Ministry of Science and Technology of China, No.2016YFA0600503
文摘There is a wide diversity of landforms in China. The topography of three major ter- races, decreasing in height stepwise from west to east, was formed by the early Miocene. With the commencement of the Great Northern Hemisphere Glaciations (GHGs) and the glacial-interglacial cycles in the Pleistocene, thick loess deposits accumulated in north China, and fluvial terraces were formed and lakes expanded and contracted in eastern and central China. The earliest evidence of hominins in China is dated to ~1.7 Ma; they occupied the monsoon-dominated region for a long interval, until the late Pleistocene, ~50 ka. In this study, we investigated a large area rich in the relics and artifacts of early man. The results indicate that the early humans occupied riverine areas, especially medium-sized fluvial basins, and lake shores. Even in the relatively recent geological past, the occupation and abandonment of settlements were directly forced by the shifting of sand dune fields in the desert-loess transi- tional zone, which in turn was closely associated with variations in the monsoon climate and vegetation patterns. Our observations indicate that landforms were one of the main determi- nants of early human behavior, in that loess tableland, large alluvial plains, desert-Gobi areas, and the Tibetan Plateau, were not suitable environments for early human settlement. We infer that the early humans in China adapted their behavior to specific landforms and landform processes. The monsoon climate, which shapes the large-scale step-like pattern of fluvial landforms, promotes vegetation coverage and dominates soil formation, provides a crucial context for early human adaptation. The adaptation of early humans to earth surface proc- esses in East Asia is investigated for the first time in this study. Future investigations will provide further information that will increase our understanding of the linkage between early human behavior and landform processes in East Asia.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (2010CB950204)the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (KZCX2-YW-Q1-03)
文摘Fossilized caryopses (or grains) of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) are important archaeobotanical materials for the study of early human agricultural activities.The morphology and ultrastructural characteristics of carbonized modern millets caryopses treated in a drying oven and burning in a field were investigated at different temperatures to study how fossilized millets are formed.The caryopses shrank gradually at temperatures below 200°C,and starch granules in the endosperm retained their crystalline structure.At 250°C the foxtail millet caryopses expanded,whereas the broomcorn millet caryopses were greatly deformed.At this temperature,the structure of the starch granules of both millets became amorphous.At 300°C the caryopses partially turned to ash and became porous,and the ultrastructure of the starch granules was transformed into alveolate cavities.Fossil caryopses from the prehistoric storage cellar at the Beiniu Site retained their crystalline structure and were formed by the dehydrating effect of carbonization,indicating that water molecules were not involved in the starch crystallization.The results of a field burning experiment demonstrated that the ultrastructure of carbonized caryopses placed on the ground under the fire was amorphous.The amorphous ultrastructure of the carbonized caryopses recovered from the archaeological layers is consistent with the expected structure of caryopses that have been carbonized at 250°C.Therefore,we suggest that the recovered caryopses were formed at about 250°C by baking rather than by burning in an open fire.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40672119)Major Basic Research Projects of MST of China (Grant No. 2006CB-806400)+1 种基金Basic Scientific Special Program of MST of China (Grant No. 2007FY-110200)Natural Science Foundation of Beijing (Grant No. 5072017)
文摘The Donggutuo site, situated in the east margin of Nihewan basin, is one of the most important Paleolithic sites in China, characterized by the longest excavation seasons and the most abundant cultural remains recovered in the region. Based on well-constructed sporopollen, sediment grain size analysis, magnetic susceptibility, and iron oxide analysis of the 2000―2001 excavated section, four stages of environmental change in the Nihewan Beds are identified by the authors. The results indicate four major stages of environment and climate change from 1) warm and humid forest grass to 2) temperate and humid forest grass to 3) temperate and dry forest grass to 4) warm and humid forest, which is suitable for hominid occupation. The changes correspond to the stages of lake transgression and regression. The environment after the lake died out away has been cold and dry boschveld. The hominid activities at the site took place in the Early Pleistocene (1.10 Ma), which corresponds to the early three environmental stages. Therefore, it can be inferred that the early hominids adapted to the relatively low lake level episodes through activities involving sporadic stone tool making, procuring of raw materials for tools, concentrating stone artifacts, and hunting and butchering. In conclusion, the results will be of great significance to research regarding the relationship between hominid occupation and environmental changes as well as the adaptive behaviors of early humans at the Donggutuo site.
基金supported by the Knowledge Innova-tion Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (KZCX2-YW-Q1-04)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA05130202)the National Basic Research Program of China (2010CB950203)
文摘Intra-site spatial analysis provides an alternative perspective for understanding the functions of a site, and the occupational organization of early human living and activities associated with it. We examined features and cultural remains recovered from Locality 2 at Shuidonggou, a Late Paleolithic site, focusing on early occupants' survival behaviors and settlement patterns, as indicated by evidence regarding the functional organization of the site. Three-dimensional data from unearthed remains (including lithic assemblages, faunal remains, ornaments, etc) were used to reconstruct intra-site use patterns of Cultural Layer 2, which yielded seven earth-pit hearths and tens of thousands of artifacts and bones. We discuss the population size and group composition, as well as the functions of the living spaces, based on the analysis of the hearth patterns and the ostrich eggshell ornaments surround the hearths. In conclusion, Cultural Layer 2 of SDG Locality 2 appears to have functioned as a base camp for ancient foragers, where occupants produced tools, as well as preparing and consuming food.
基金supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant Nos. KZCX2-YW-Q1-04 and KZCX2-EW-QN110)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDA05130302)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40602006 and 40872115)
文摘More than ten thousands of bone fragments were recovered from the Lingjing site, Henan Province during 2005 and 2006. In this paper, through the quantification and statistical analyses of the skeletal elements of the two predominant species in this assemblage, aurochs (Bos primigenius) and horse (Equus caballus), the differential influences and weights of a variety of taphonomic agencies in the formation of the assemblage are assessed respectively. Compared to the natural agencies, hominid hunting and the subsequent disarticulation, slaughtering, and their transport of the bone elements of the prey species are the main factors accounting for the formation of the present assemblage. More importantly, this study initiatively identifies hominid's differential treatment of the bones of aurochs and horse in the Paleolithic record of East Asia and demonstrably suggests that hominids at the site have already practiced sophisticated hunting techniques and subsistence strategies and may be quite familiar with the ecological and anatomical characteristics and nutritional values of the large-sized prey animals and can accordingly take different processing and handling strategies at the hunting site.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2006 CB806400)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40872023 and J0630965)Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘Exploring and interpreting the mode of cognition and behavioral patterns of prehistoric hunter-gatherers is always one of the main goals of current Paleolithic research. In the 1940s, French prehistorians proposed the technological method for studying lithic assemblages which opened a brand-new perspective on the prehistoric domain. In the 1960s, French ethnographer and anthropologist André Leroi-Gourhan proposed the concept "chane opératoire" and established the theory of lithic technological study. After the 1980s, the concept "chane opératoire" was substituted for two different but complementary concepts: techno-cognition and techno-economy, which contributed not only to revealing the technical knowledge and know-how applied during lithic production but also to interpreting the technical behavior of prehistoric hunter-gatherers from social and economic viewpoints. The lithic technological study of the Guanyindong site, presented in this paper, was carried out for the first time by applying lithic technological method developed by French prehistorians to the Chinese materials. Our analytical results demonstrated that the débitage system of Guanyindong is quite distinct from the concept Levallois largely used in Europe, Near-East and Africa. The differentiation between these two débitage modes may contribute to exploring and interpreting the relationship in Middle Paleolithic between China and Europe, Near-East and Africa.
基金supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (KZCX2-EW-QN110)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA05130302)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (40602006 and 40872115)
文摘More than ten thousand bone fragments were recovered from the Lingjing site, Henan Province, during 2005 and 2006. A taphonomic analysis of the faunal remains strongly indicates that hominids have a dominant role in the accumulation and modification of the assemblage. Based on the taphonomic and zooarcheological characteristics of the animal remains, including species richness, mortality patterns, skeletal element profiles, and bone surface-modifications, and on the local ecology, we suggest that the Lingjing site is a Middle Paleolithic kill-butchery site rather than a home base for early humans. The presence of large numbers of stone artifacts may therefore signify a strong sense of planning and farsightedness in the subsistence strategies of early human groups. The Lingjing site is presently the only taphonomically-identified, Middle Paleolithic kill-butchery site known in North China.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA05130301XDA05130303)Specific Basic Research Program of Ministry of Sciences and Technology of China (2007FY110200)
文摘Unearthed artifacts and cultural relics from the Shuidonggou site revealed extensive information and insights regarding the activities of early modern humans.A series of experimental research and physical analysis suggest that stone artifacts from Locality 2 and Locality 12 have undergone heat treatment.The utilization ratio and knapping properties of raw materials were consequently enhanced.Heat treatment technology reflects the production capacities and the survival strategies in the Upper Paleolithic period.This discovery indicates the earliest existence of this technology in the East Asia and thus confirms a wider geographic distribution of this technology which provides new perspectives and evidence for understanding the associated early modern human behaviors.
文摘Changes in the levels ofbiogenic silica (BSi%) in lake sediments have been widely used in order to study lake productivity and palaeoclimatic changes. However, the provenance of biogenic silica (BSi) needs to be investigated for each lake, especially for large lakes, as does the relationship between levels of BSi and relevant environmental factors. In this study, we measured the percentage of BSi contained in lake sediments, river sediments, and surface soils within the Lake Qinghai catchment, and compared the quantities and shapes of diatoms and phytoliths before and after the extraction processes. The results suggest that BSi in lake sediments is primarily derived from endogenous diatoms; therefore, BSi levels can be used to reflect the changes in primary productivity within the lake. Further comparisons showed that on long-term timescales, the variations in BSi% are generally consistent with those in total organic carbon (TOC) and grain size, reflecting the dominant impacts of precipitation on primary productivity in Lake Qinghai. On short-term timescales, however, the relationship between BSi% and TOC and that between BSi% and grain size are not clear or stable. For example, BSi% sometimes covaried with grain size, but it was sometimes out of phase with or even inversely related to grain size. We speculate that both climate and environmental processes, such as the dilution effect, influence short-term BSi% and its related environmental significance. As a result, BSi% should be used selectively as an indicator of climatic changes on different time scales.
基金supported by the Specific Basic Research Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2007FY110200)
文摘A comprehensive database of paleoenvironmental settings for paleoanthropological sites provides a useful tool to explore the link between human evolution and paleoenvironmental changes. A preliminary GIS-based environmental database for paleoanthropological sites in China (EDPC) was constructed based on data collected from published literature. The database currently contains 1114 paleoanthropological sites. It will be available for online access following the establishment of relevant rules, and after improvement and further development through regular and sustained updates by internal and external users. Preliminary analyses using the GIS system yielded new evidence regarding human-environmental relationships.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41072016)the State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy of Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology (103105)+1 种基金the International Cooperation Program of MOST of China (2009DFB20580)the Specific Basic Research Program of MOST of China (2007FY110200)
文摘Enamel stable carbon isotope analyses were conducted on the large fossil ape Gigantopithecus blacki and an associated mammalian megafauna from Longgudong Cave in Jianshi and Juyuandong Cave in Liucheng, South China. The range in δ13C values (-18.8‰ to -14.1‰) indicates that G. blacki and other large mammals fed on solely C3 biomass, and lived in forest habitats, and not open country or savannas. These results are consistent with other faunal and floral analyses for that time. The diet and habitat of G. blacki were significantly different from those of early hominins (Australopithecus and Paranthropus) from South and East Africa. Extinction of G. blacki probably was a result of forest habitat fragmentation and deterioration.
基金supported by State Administration of Cultural Heritage for "Research of Protection Technology for Nanjing Da Bao En Temple"the Innovation Key Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (GrantNo. KZCX2-EW-QN607)
文摘Built by the royal family in the Ming Dynasty,the Da Bao En Temple is known as the greatest temple in ancient Nanjing,whose predecessor is the Chang Gan Temple built in the Six Dynasties.Archaeological excavations of the Da Bao En Temple and the underground palace of Chang Gan Temple built in the North Song Dynasty(AD960 AD1127) have been appraised as one of the 10 greatest archaeological discoveries in 2010 in China.Many artefacts discovered in the underground palace have shown their important historical meanings and scientific values,such as the Qibao King Asoka Tower,golden and silver coffins,Buddhist relics,the silk textiles,glasses,and spices etc.In this paper,stereomicroscope,SEM-EDS and LA-ICP-AES are used to investigate chemical composition,microstructure and current preservation status for the unearthed glasswares.The results indicate that the glass bottle coded as TH1 and the glass calyx coded as TN5 are made of lead-silicate glass,while the chemical composition of the glass bottle coded as TN9 is quite distinct from that of native glasswares.All three articles have been weathered in some degrees.Given the shape,it is deduced that TH1 is a typical glassware used in burying Buddhist relics at that time,TN5 a domestic glassware with typical Sassanian style,and TN9 an imported Islamic glass,providing important information about culture exchanges between China and the foreign countries in the North Song Dynasty.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA05130202)the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(KZCX2-YW-Q1-04)+1 种基金the Special Basic Research Project(2007FY110200)the National Basic Research Program of China(2010CB950203)
文摘Cognition and symbolic thinking are viewed as important features of modern human behavior.Engraved objects are seen as a hallmark of cognition and symbolism,and even as evidence for language.Accumulated evidences including engraved bones,ochre,ostrich eggshells and stone artifacts were unearthed from Africa,Europe,Levant even Siberia Paleolithic sites.But the archaeological evidence for this,including beads,ornaments,burials,performed objects and engraved objects,is rarely discovered in the Pleistocene of East Asia.The present paper reports an engraved stone object unearthed in the Early Late Paleolithic levels about 30 ka BP at the Shuidonggou site(SDG) in northwestern China.It was unearthed in the 1980's excavation from Lower culture unit of SDG1 but was identified in 2011 when the first author of this article observed the collection from the 1980's excavations stored in the Institute of Archaeology of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region for further detailed lithic analysis.This lithic artifact is the first engraved non-organic object of the Paleolithic period found in China.In order to clarify the details of the incisions and to document the human intentional modifications,we used a KEYENCE VHX-600 Digital Microscope to measure and observe all the incisions in 3-dimensional perspective.Comparing the natural cracks and analyzing many details of the incisions,we argue that incisions on this stone artifact are the result of intentional behaviors by ancient humans.Also,we exclude the possible other causes including animal-induced damages,post-depositional phenomenon and unintentional by-products.Combining all these features,we suggest that the incisions were made by an intentional behavior and were probably of a non-utilitarian character.Because the nature of most other engraved objects in China is debate,we cannot get a clear scenario of the emergence and progress of modern human behavior in North China.But we infer the possible existence of a counting or recording system,or other symbolic behaviors,which reflect considerably evolved cognitive capacities or modern human behavior in the Early Late Paleolithic of East Asia.