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A Study On The Stone Industries Of Liaoxi Region During The Prehistoric Period

Posted on:2017-05-11Degree:DoctorType:Dissertation
Country:ChinaCandidate:K YangFull Text:PDF
GTID:1225330482494005Subject:Archaeology
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
The research objective of archaeology is “seeing humans through materials”. To achieve this goal, it is crucial to seek the relating paths between humans and materials. By using the lithic analysis as an entry point and using the replication experiments and ethnographic analogy as reference, this dissertation develops a method of correlation based on the lithic analysis to discuss the means of livelihood in prehistory of Liaoxi area.The first chapter, in which the author presents the perspective of lithic analysis and illustrates the relevant theories and methods, does a brief summary of the archaeological discoveries and academic history of Liaoxi area.The second chapter mainly introduces the background information of prehistory of Liaoxi area, including the archaeological cultures and the natural environment.The third chapter is about the classification and systematization of the unearthed stone tools. According to the features of shape, used part and other correlated aspects, these artifacts can be divided into twelve categories, including stone hoes, stone spades, stone axes, stone knives, etc. Furtherly, each category can be divided into several more types.The fourth chapter focuses on the different functions of stone tools discussed in the previous section. By analyzing of their design, use wear, replication and use experiments, and ethnographic analogy, reliable inferences can be made in an integral way.The fifth and sixth chapter of the dissertation mainly discuss the means of livelihood in the prehistory of Liaoxi area. In the fifth chapter, the author does research on the category evolution of stone tools. By comparing the functions of each category, the chapter presents the transitions of means of livelihood from a macroscopic perspective. The sixth chapter pays attention to the study on the lithic tool assemblages within site. Combing the abandonment process of site, faunal remains, flora remains and some other information together, the author uses the agriculture-centered subsistent model to make careful assessments about the livelihood within site.The seventh chapter summarizes the means of livelihood of each period. Through synthesizing the description of classifications, deduction on functions, evolution patterns of stone tools in each archaeological culture period, and the study on the stone tool assemblages, we have attained a more concrete understanding on the production and living patterns in the prehistory of Liaoxi area.The conclusion of the dissertation can be described as follows. In the period of Xinglongwa Culture, the economic mode of production was predominantly extensive, in which some sites adopted the type of fallow rotation, and others adopted the type of non- fallow rotation. In this period, hunting and gathering was also an indispensable livelihood for it took a great proportion.In the period of Zhaobaogou Culture, the ancients also took an extensive mode to produce, while hunting and gathering was also essential. But compared to Xinglongwa Culture, the ancients turned up soil deeper and the sites became smaller. Because of the longer dwelling time, fewer people could be fed in the same land carrying capacity.In the period of Hongshan Culture, land utilization had stepped into a further development stage that the primitive intensive cultivation emerged. The scale of other economic forms had been shrinking because the intensive cultivation need more time and population. Under these circumstances, hunting and gathering had been in a subordinate status.In the period of Xiaoheyan Culture, the economic mode of production became complicated. Direct evidence of large-scale agriculture hasn’t been found yet and the ancients lived a more precarious life.In the period of Lower Xiajiadian Culture, the economic mode of production was primarily intensive. Because of the domestic animals raised partly, hunting and gathering didn’t continue to hold an important place.
Keywords/Search Tags:Liaoxi region, Prehistoric archaeology, Lithic analysis, Means of livelihood, Agricultural development
PDF Full Text Request
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