Food and more than food: Potential anuran consumption at the Changshan site (AD 916–1234), Northeast China

The presence of anuran motifs on Neolithic pottery and references in historical documents suggest the deep-rooted significance of anurans in China’s history, both economically and symbolically. However, the role of anurans in the subsistence economy remains underexamined in zooarchaeological research. This study presents zooarchaeological evidence of potential anuran consumption at the Changshan site in Lishu County, northeastern China. A total of 1350 anuran bones were recovered from Liao and Jin Dynasty (AD 916–1234) features, with more than 80% concentrated in trench G006. Most identified specimens belong to Ranidae (including Pelophylax nigromaculatus and Ranidae indet.), with limb bones being the most commonly represented elements. The predominance of a single species, the preference for limb bones, the male-biased sex ratio, and concentrated deposition suggest possible human selection and consumption. This study represents the first detailed zooarchaeological analysis of anuran remains in China and highlights the need for further comparative studies to better understand the historical use of anurans.