Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Reconstructing a metallurgical chaîne opératoire: a case study of the dapo iron metallurgical site in Guangxi, China","authors":"Guisen Zou,&nbsp;Zhangwang Meng","doi":"10.1007/s12520-026-02551-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12520-026-02551-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Guangxi, a southern border region linking southern China and Southeast Asia, provides a valuable setting for examining the spread of early metallurgical technologies. Although numerous studies have been conducted on smelting technology in the region, none have reconstructed the operational sequence of metallurgical production. The Houbeishan Site in Wuzhou City preserves abundant metallurgical remains and production features, providing important evidence for reconstructing the metallurgical chaînes opératoires. Radiocarbon dating indicate that the site dates to ca. 340 AD–560 AD. To identify technical practices at the site, we analysed slag and two iron knives using a scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) and metallographic microscopy. Based on the morphological characteristics of the slag and the two furnaces discovered at the site, we preliminarily determined that the small-shaft furnace functioned as a bloomery iron-smelting furnace, whereas the bowl furnace was used for forging. The analyses show that craftspeople at Houbeishan smelted bloomery iron and used it as the primary feedstock for forging and forming. By integrating archaeometallurgical research with evidence from the excavation of metallurgical remains, we present a preliminary ‘chaîne opératoire’ for the site. This chaînes offers a foundation for deeper investigation of early iron smelting and working practices, facilitates more systematic comparisons among ancient metallurgical sites, and provides new evidence for the development and transmission of metallurgical technology between southern China and Southeast Asia.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8214,"journal":{"name":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","volume":"18 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148838081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study of technology, provenance, and cross-regional cultural exchange of Warring States period silver artifacts from the Laolongtou cemetery, Yanyuan County, Sichuan Province, Southwest China","authors":"Xiaoting Wang,&nbsp;Jianbo Tian,&nbsp;Zhiqing Zhou,&nbsp;Ning Wang,&nbsp;Yingdong Yang,&nbsp;Wugan Luo","doi":"10.1007/s12520-026-02552-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12520-026-02552-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Silver was long rare in pre-Qin China, but its archaeological occurrence increased markedly during the Warring States period (475 − 221 BC), when it became a more widely recognized and valued precious metal. This study examines eight silver artifacts excavated from the Laolongtou cemetery in Yanyuan County, Sichuan Province, dating to the Warring States period. By integrating compositional analysis, metallographic examination, trace element analysis, and lead isotope ratio analysis, this study systematically investigates the chemical composition, manufacturing technology, and possible sources of raw materials. The results show that these artifacts can be divided into two groups: one consists of Ag–Au alloys with relatively high gold contents, and the other is composed of near-pure silver artifacts, indicating the use of different types of silver-bearing raw materials and distinct technological choices. Lead isotope data suggest that the silver used for bracelets and necklace is closely related to ore sources in northwestern China, whereas the silver ornaments were more likely made from local or nearby metal resources. The Laolongtou silver artifacts provide important material evidence for early precious-metal craftsmanship in southwestern China. The silver artifacts offer new evidence for understanding technological transmission and resource circulation along the “crescent-shaped cultural-communication belt” during the pre-Qin period.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8214,"journal":{"name":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","volume":"18 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study of technology, provenance, and cross-regional cultural exchange of Warring States period silver artifacts from the Laolongtou cemetery, Yanyuan County, Sichuan Province, Southwest China","authors":"Xiaoting Wang,&nbsp;Jianbo Tian,&nbsp;Zhiqing Zhou,&nbsp;Ning Wang,&nbsp;Yingdong Yang,&nbsp;Wugan Luo","doi":"10.1007/s12520-026-02552-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12520-026-02552-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Silver was long rare in pre-Qin China, but its archaeological occurrence increased markedly during the Warring States period (475 − 221 BC), when it became a more widely recognized and valued precious metal. This study examines eight silver artifacts excavated from the Laolongtou cemetery in Yanyuan County, Sichuan Province, dating to the Warring States period. By integrating compositional analysis, metallographic examination, trace element analysis, and lead isotope ratio analysis, this study systematically investigates the chemical composition, manufacturing technology, and possible sources of raw materials. The results show that these artifacts can be divided into two groups: one consists of Ag–Au alloys with relatively high gold contents, and the other is composed of near-pure silver artifacts, indicating the use of different types of silver-bearing raw materials and distinct technological choices. Lead isotope data suggest that the silver used for bracelets and necklace is closely related to ore sources in northwestern China, whereas the silver ornaments were more likely made from local or nearby metal resources. The Laolongtou silver artifacts provide important material evidence for early precious-metal craftsmanship in southwestern China. The silver artifacts offer new evidence for understanding technological transmission and resource circulation along the “crescent-shaped cultural-communication belt” during the pre-Qin period.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8214,"journal":{"name":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","volume":"18 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148837855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"When stone meets bone: characteristics of bone surface modifications made by Oldowan and Acheulean stone tool forms","authors":"Trevor L. Keevil,&nbsp;Emily R. Orlikoff,&nbsp;Jay Reti,&nbsp;Michael C. Pante","doi":"10.1007/s12520-026-02547-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12520-026-02547-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Quantitative bone surface modification modeling methods precisely capture micromorphological differences in trace mark morphology related to characteristics of the actor and action (e.g., hominin butchery or carnivore predation) that created the mark. To date, these methods have not been systematically applied to assess the relationship between effector traits (e.g., tool technological form) and cut mark morphology under standardized, replicable experimental conditions. In this study, we show that cut marks created during standardized stone tool bone-cutting experiments preserve micromorphological characteristics that, when quantitatively measured and classified using discriminant analysis models, facilitate estimations of the technological form of the stone tool that created the mark with approximately 65% accuracy. We apply this classification model to investigate the most likely technological form of the stone tool that created 12 fossilized bone surface modifications from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, previously identified as cut marks using qualitative methods. We identified five of six fossilized marks predating the Acheulean in Olduvai Gorge as flake marks and two of six marks on fossils postdating Acheulean tools as biface marks. This analysis provides new insight into how Plio-Pleistocene hominin butchers used different stone tool forms when processing animal tissues during carnivorous behaviors.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8214,"journal":{"name":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","volume":"18 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"When stone meets bone: characteristics of bone surface modifications made by Oldowan and Acheulean stone tool forms","authors":"Trevor L. Keevil,&nbsp;Emily R. Orlikoff,&nbsp;Jay Reti,&nbsp;Michael C. Pante","doi":"10.1007/s12520-026-02547-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12520-026-02547-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Quantitative bone surface modification modeling methods precisely capture micromorphological differences in trace mark morphology related to characteristics of the actor and action (e.g., hominin butchery or carnivore predation) that created the mark. To date, these methods have not been systematically applied to assess the relationship between effector traits (e.g., tool technological form) and cut mark morphology under standardized, replicable experimental conditions. In this study, we show that cut marks created during standardized stone tool bone-cutting experiments preserve micromorphological characteristics that, when quantitatively measured and classified using discriminant analysis models, facilitate estimations of the technological form of the stone tool that created the mark with approximately 65% accuracy. We apply this classification model to investigate the most likely technological form of the stone tool that created 12 fossilized bone surface modifications from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, previously identified as cut marks using qualitative methods. We identified five of six fossilized marks predating the Acheulean in Olduvai Gorge as flake marks and two of six marks on fossils postdating Acheulean tools as biface marks. This analysis provides new insight into how Plio-Pleistocene hominin butchers used different stone tool forms when processing animal tissues during carnivorous behaviors.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8214,"journal":{"name":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","volume":"18 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Go north: Isotope and aDNA analysis reconstructing the life history of a first-generation immigrant in the early Western Zhou Yan state","authors":"Xinyi Ouyang,&nbsp;Nina An,&nbsp;Jing Wang,&nbsp;Chen Duan,&nbsp;Yingliang Yang,&nbsp;YiHsien Lin,&nbsp;Chao Ning,&nbsp;Jingning Guo,&nbsp;Xiaohong Wu","doi":"10.1007/s12520-026-02546-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12520-026-02546-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Shang-Zhou transition (ca. 1046 BCE) marked a pivotal phase in the formation of the early Chinese state. Following the Zhou conquest of the Shang, the Western Zhou dynasty implemented an enfeoffment system (<i>f</i><i>engjian</i> 封建), redistributing territories to royal kin and trusted allies to consolidate control over newly acquired lands. This system facilitated the integration of diverse regional populations into a unified political framework. However, the fate of former Shang elites under Zhou rule remains poorly understood. Key questions persist: Were these communities forcefully subdued, relocated, or incorporated into the new regime? Although historical texts briefly mention Shang descendants, these references have fueled ongoing archaeological efforts to identify such individuals through material culture. Nevertheless, direct bioarchaeological evidence remains limited, leaving many aspects of their lived experiences under Zhou rule unresolved. Archaeological discoveries at the Liulihe site—the capital of the Yan vassal state in present-day Beijing—provide crucial material for addressing these issues. This study conducts a multidisciplinary analysis of human remains from two newly excavated noble tombs at Liulihe, integrating archaeological context (including bronze inscriptions), radiocarbon dating, and multiple isotopic and ancient DNA analyses. The tomb features, inscriptions, and radiocarbon dating suggest that the M1902 individual was associated with Shang-descendant groups who moved to Liulihe following the Western Zhou enfeoffment. Genetic and strontium isotope analyses are consistent with an origin in the Yellow River region and indicate that his early-childhood residence differed from Liulihe. Dietary analysis reveals that he maintained a stable diet throughout his lifetime, consuming a higher proportion of animal-derived protein compared to local commoners at Liulihe. The comprehensive bioarchaeological profile of this individual offers rare insight into the lived experience of Shang descendants under Western Zhou rule and reflects the dynasty’s emphasis on peaceful incorporation during its early expansion.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8214,"journal":{"name":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","volume":"18 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12520-026-02546-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148783188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Go north: Isotope and aDNA analysis reconstructing the life history of a first-generation immigrant in the early Western Zhou Yan state","authors":"Xinyi Ouyang,&nbsp;Nina An,&nbsp;Jing Wang,&nbsp;Chen Duan,&nbsp;Yingliang Yang,&nbsp;YiHsien Lin,&nbsp;Chao Ning,&nbsp;Jingning Guo,&nbsp;Xiaohong Wu","doi":"10.1007/s12520-026-02546-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12520-026-02546-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The Shang-Zhou transition (ca. 1046 BCE) marked a pivotal phase in the formation of the early Chinese state. Following the Zhou conquest of the Shang, the Western Zhou dynasty implemented an enfeoffment system (<i>f</i><i>engjian</i> 封建), redistributing territories to royal kin and trusted allies to consolidate control over newly acquired lands. This system facilitated the integration of diverse regional populations into a unified political framework. However, the fate of former Shang elites under Zhou rule remains poorly understood. Key questions persist: Were these communities forcefully subdued, relocated, or incorporated into the new regime? Although historical texts briefly mention Shang descendants, these references have fueled ongoing archaeological efforts to identify such individuals through material culture. Nevertheless, direct bioarchaeological evidence remains limited, leaving many aspects of their lived experiences under Zhou rule unresolved. Archaeological discoveries at the Liulihe site—the capital of the Yan vassal state in present-day Beijing—provide crucial material for addressing these issues. This study conducts a multidisciplinary analysis of human remains from two newly excavated noble tombs at Liulihe, integrating archaeological context (including bronze inscriptions), radiocarbon dating, and multiple isotopic and ancient DNA analyses. The tomb features, inscriptions, and radiocarbon dating suggest that the M1902 individual was associated with Shang-descendant groups who moved to Liulihe following the Western Zhou enfeoffment. Genetic and strontium isotope analyses are consistent with an origin in the Yellow River region and indicate that his early-childhood residence differed from Liulihe. Dietary analysis reveals that he maintained a stable diet throughout his lifetime, consuming a higher proportion of animal-derived protein compared to local commoners at Liulihe. The comprehensive bioarchaeological profile of this individual offers rare insight into the lived experience of Shang descendants under Western Zhou rule and reflects the dynasty’s emphasis on peaceful incorporation during its early expansion.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8214,"journal":{"name":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","volume":"18 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12520-026-02546-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148783187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fingerprint ridge density analyses with ancient clay sealings","authors":"Siobhan Shinn","doi":"10.1007/s12520-026-02549-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12520-026-02549-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The research presented in this article begins to address the benefits and drawbacks of employing paleo dermatoglyphics (i.e. ancient fingerprint analysis) with archaeological sealing data. Specifically, it investigates whether fingerprint ridge density is a viable tool for identifying sealers’ biological sexes. My data derive from clay sealings excavated at Shalfak fortress in Sudan dated to the Middle Kingdom (ca. 2055–1650 <span>bce</span>). Each sealing examined was assessed for whether it had a fingerprint, the fingerprint could be accurately photographed, and the fingerprint’s ridge density could be accurately calculated and interpreted as belonging to either a male or female. Further, the information obtained was assessed as to whether it added new information or shed light on females in administration and countersealing, key issues discussed in sealing studies today. Ultimately, the results demonstrate fingerprint ridge density is a viable and useful tool.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8214,"journal":{"name":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","volume":"18 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fingerprint ridge density analyses with ancient clay sealings","authors":"Siobhan Shinn","doi":"10.1007/s12520-026-02549-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12520-026-02549-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The research presented in this article begins to address the benefits and drawbacks of employing paleo dermatoglyphics (i.e. ancient fingerprint analysis) with archaeological sealing data. Specifically, it investigates whether fingerprint ridge density is a viable tool for identifying sealers’ biological sexes. My data derive from clay sealings excavated at Shalfak fortress in Sudan dated to the Middle Kingdom (ca. 2055–1650 <span>bce</span>). Each sealing examined was assessed for whether it had a fingerprint, the fingerprint could be accurately photographed, and the fingerprint’s ridge density could be accurately calculated and interpreted as belonging to either a male or female. Further, the information obtained was assessed as to whether it added new information or shed light on females in administration and countersealing, key issues discussed in sealing studies today. Ultimately, the results demonstrate fingerprint ridge density is a viable and useful tool.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8214,"journal":{"name":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","volume":"18 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Scientific analysis of hammerscales excavated from the Chengba and Guantian sites (‌50 BC to AD 400‌) in Southwest China","authors":"Chenxiaoxue Jia,&nbsp;Tianqiang Sun,&nbsp;Linheng Mo,&nbsp;Fuyao Tan,&nbsp;Hang Xiao,&nbsp;Qiang Li,&nbsp;Chenxi Liang,&nbsp;Yuming Xu,&nbsp;Jake Glover,&nbsp;Yuniu Li","doi":"10.1007/s12520-026-02548-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12520-026-02548-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The study of hammerscale is a key for identifying ancient forging sites and restoring iron and steel forging processes, while the systematic research on hammerscale from Han-Jin periods sites in southwest China is still insufficient, and a unified identification standard for archaeological hammerscale has not been formed in China. In this paper, 21 ancient hammerscale samples excavated from Chengba site (Sichuan) and Guantian site (Hunan) were taken as the research objects, with 4 modern traditional forging hammerscale samples as the control group. Metallographic microscopy and SEM-EDS analysis were used to carry out systematic scientific analysis on the microstructure and chemical composition of the samples. The results show that the core identification indicators of archaeological hammerscale are the microstructure has a layered iron oxide structure formed by high-temperature forging oxidation, or chain silicate inclusions distributed along the forging direction; the main component is iron oxide (often &gt; 90%), and the trace element characteristics are related to raw materials, fuel and flux in the forging process. There are significant differences in the content of CaO, SO₃ and P₂O₅ between ancient and modern samples, which are mainly caused by the differences in smelting and forging processes, fuel types and raw material background. This study clarifies the formation mechanism of hammerscale and its indicative significance for forging technology, provides a standardized identification basis for forging relics in field archaeological work, and supplements basic comparative data for the study of iron and steel forging technology in the Han-Jin periods in southwest China.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8214,"journal":{"name":"Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences","volume":"18 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}