| The central plains region is the important area with the origin and the initial development of ancient civilizations from prehistoric times to Xia and Shang Dynasties, the handicraft plays a very important role in the development process of civilization in central plains. This paper pays more attention to archaeological information and analyses the development of handicraft, technology, the division of handicraft, artisans, the organization and management of handicraft production and the effect of handicraft in the process of civilization in central plains from prehistoric times to Xia Dynasty and Shang Dynasty systematically through combining with documented information, ancient legends, the related research and learning from previous studies.Firstly, this paper analyses, sorts and summarizes the development orders and stages of archaeological culture in central plains from prehistoric times to Xia and Shang Dynasties. This paper also discusses the stone, wood, pottery, bronze, jade, bone, lacquer, textiles, construction and wine's process of the development and technology in central plains from prehistoric times to Xia and Shang according to these orders and stages. It illustrates the developments and contexts of handicraft in central plains from prehistoric times to Xia and Shang period comprehensively and make briefly horizontal comparisons with handicraft of surrounding areas. On this basis, sum up the continuity, inclusiveness, usability and other characters, of handicraft in central plains from prehistoric times to Xia and Shang Dynasties.Secondly, this paper discusses the division of labor conditions, development process and significance about handicraft and agriculture in central plains from prehistoric times to Xia and Shang Dynasties. The conditions for the division of handicraft and agriculture are the development of agriculture, the complication of artisanal productive technology, the appearing of producers who hold the professional skills in large numbers and the increasing of hand products'needs of the community. The division of handicraft develops with the development of social productive forces. The early Yangshao culture and before, it pays more attention to the natural division of labor within the clan, and handicraft has not separated from agriculture yet at that time. Few handicraft sectors have separated from agriculture gradually from the middle and late period of Yangshao culture to the period of Longshan culture. Some independent sectors of handicraft have turned up in Xia Dynasty. Some further divisions in handicraft have happened in the early Shang Dynasty and the degree of the division of labor is higher in the late Shang Dynasty. The division of handicraft and agriculture promotes the development of social productive forces, causes a change in productive relations and promotes the exchange of commodities and culture.Thirdly, this paper discusses the issues about handicraftsmen's status from prehistoric times to Xia and Shang Dynasties. First of all, investigating the social status about prehistoric handicraftsmen by use of archaeological data and ancient legends. The social status of prehistoric handicraftsmen experienced a gradual increase and further differentiated process. The hand-producers have the roughly equal status with the other clan members in early Yangshao culture and before. After mid-late Yangshao culture, most handicraftsmen hold more wealth, while further differentiation has happened among handicraftsmen and few persons rise to power holders. What's more, researching the social status about handicraftsmen in Xia and Shang period by use of archaeological materials and records of turtle shells and bones. Handicraftsmen in Xia Dynasty may continue the status of prehistoric handicraftsmen. The situation about handicraftsmen in Shang Dynasty is more complicated, civilian and lower nobility are the main force of handicraftsmen, but there are some lave labors.Fourthly, this paper attempts to discuss the organizational management of handicraft industry in central plains from prehistoric times to Xia and Shang Dynasties. First of all, discussing the prehistoric handicraft production organizational change by use of the results of settlement archeology. Family, clan or higher-level social organization proceed collective production as units in early Yangshao culture and before, the specialized handicraft household or family have turned up after mid-late Yangshao culture. What's more, discussing handicraft organization and management issues in Xia and Shang periods by use of archaeological materials, literature and records of turtle shells and bones. It is divided into government-run handicrafts and folk handicrafts in Xia and Shang period, the system of "Food Trade and Industry Official" began in Xia and Shang period. The handicraftmen proceed the production as a tribe in Xia and Shang periods, and Royal has a special office to manage industrial rivals.Fifthly, this paper discusses the role of handicraft industry in social development and civilization process in central plains from prehistoric times to Xia and Shang Dynasties. Human's material life is improved and their daily life is facilitated by handicraft production. Handicraft production boost the progress of science and technology, the improvement of production tools, and then impluse the development of productivity. The development of handicraft promote the multiplication of remainder products, differentiation between rich and poor, the emergence of private ownership and class division, and impel the emergence and development of ritual system, thereby accelerating the transformation of production relations. Handicraft development is closely connected with the birth of civilization, the origin and development of various elements.The development of the prehistoric handicraft industry plays an important role in giving birth to bronze, cities, liters and other civilized elements. The development of Xia and Shang handicraft industry plays an important promoting role in the expansion of civilization.
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