The Research On Neolithic Animal Sculpture Along The Yellow River Valleys

Chinese sculpture arts have a long lasting history. Among the already discovered Neolithic sculptures, those with animal depictions are so far among the most; and the areas they covered had been the widest. The contents of this dissertation, which is the compilation and research on Neolithic animal sculptures unearthed along the Yellow River Valleys, shall make initial discussions on problems concerning the discovery status, at different phases, sculpture techniques, functions and contexts, etc.According to Neolithic culture system, the Neolithic animal sculpture of Yellow River Valleys could be divided into three culture zones, with respective culture zone having a relationship of early and late stage, however, it could also be divided into different periods. Due to different culture system, different geographical locations and environments, different types of production means adopted by human beings and different animal species that had very close relationship with human beings, the respective culture zone (respective period) of the Neolithic animal sculpture had certain variations on quantity, species type, animal type depicted and artistic style, etc.The forms of Neolithic animal sculpture along the Yellow River Valleys could be separated into forms of an individual animal sculpture, an attached decorating depiction, a relief on the surface of an item and utensil with imitation of the shape of an animal. During the development course, the Neolithic animal sculpture along the Yellow River Valleys had gradually formed a set of system in sculpturingtechniques. From the artistic style's point of view, most of the Neolithic animal sculptures along Yellow River Valley were works of realistic depictions, though some other partial works showed free-flowed and exaggerating styles.As part of the organic components of Neolithic culture in this region, the Neolithic animal sculpture along the Yellow River Valley had its functions and contexts. Such functions and contexts were mainly revealed in purposes of practical usages, artistic decoration, primitive witchcrafts, animal worships, and totemic worships, etc. The functions and contexts of the Neolithic animal sculpture were closely related to the form, artistic style and choices of animal types adopted for the sculpture. Different regions or various development phases within one particular region of the Neolithic sculpture had variations and changes in forms and contexts, which also reflected the variations and evolvements of functions and contexts of the Neolithic animal sculpture.