Review on Five Academic Journal Articles

EAS 312 ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF EARLY CHINA Prof. C Shen 2023. 03. 06

Xueqin, Li 2002 The Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project: Methodology and Results. Journal of East Asian Archaeology 4 (1): 321–33. The Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project is a multidisciplinary project involving 21 scholars from different fields, its main goal is to establish a reliable chronology of ancient China's Xia, Shang, and Zhou Dynasties. The paper provides an overview of the project's goals, challenges, and achievements and discusses the evidence and findings of the project to support its claims about the importance of establishing a reliable chronology of ancient Chinese dynasties. The project launched in 1996 combined research methods from archaeology, history, palaeophilology, astronomy, and scientific dating techniques. It used multidisciplinary analysis to deduce the new chronology of the three dynasties in ancient China based on archaeological evidence, scientific dating techniques, and literary traditions. The essay illustrate how the project established a more accurate chronology of the Xia-Shang- Zhou three dynasties, providing a more objective and empirical basis for understanding ancient Chinese history and civilization. The project consistent with dates found in traditional history and supported by evidence from archaeological and astronomical sources. For example, for the Shang Dynasty, through the combination of oracle bone inscriptions, Jinwen, and astronomical calculations, it was possible not only to provide a detailed chronological framework for the early Shang Dynasty but also to determine the order of Kings and the length of their emperors' reigns in the late Shang Dynasty. For the Xia Dynasty, although there is no written record or archaeological evidence directly related to the Xia Dynasty, scientific dating techniques such as radiocarbon dating and thermoluminescence dating can be used to determine the age of cultural relics from the Erlitou site in Henan Province. In the case of Zhou, a more accurate chronology of the period could be established by radiocarbon dating of the tomb containing the chimes of the Jin Marquis Su. Xueqin notes that the project used two main multidisciplinary research methods to establish chronology of ancient China. The first method is derived and verified through palaeophilology (oracle and bronze inscriptions) and historical documents using modern astronomical techniques and knowledge. The second approach is systematically analyzing archaeological sites through burial materials and conducting studies using conventional radiocarbon dating techniques, accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), radiocarbon dating, and stratigraphic analysis. The article also discusses some controversies and debates surrounding the project's findings, but the project's science-based analysis allows us to understand ancient China's age better. However, the article does not provide complete background information about the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, which may pose challenges to readers unfamiliar with the subject. In addition, the reliance on radiocarbon dating may be simplistic and may not take into account other factors that may affect the accuracy of the dating. In conclusion, the essay provides a more objective and empirical basis for understanding the three dynastic periods, provides valuable insights on how to use multidisciplinary research to study ancient Chinese history and civilization, and opens up new avenues for future research, such as improved dating methods. The paper is highly technical and requires professional knowledge from a multi-disciplinary background.

Zhang, Hai, Andrew Bevan, and Dashun Guo 2013 The Neolithic Ceremonial Complex at Niuheliang and Wider Hongshan Landscapes in Northeastern China. Journal of World Prehistory 26 (1): 1–24. The article “The Neolithic Ceremonial Complex at Niuheliang and Wider Hongshan Landscapes in Northeastern China” by Zhang, Hai, Andrew Bevan, and Dashun Guo is a highly relevant paper for the field of archaeology and Chinese history. The authors explore the settlement patterns and ritual sites of the Hongshan culture in the Neolithic Age of China, using the Niuhe Liang site as an example. They argue that these ritual sites played a key role in the large-scale integration of Hongshan society and were mechanisms for social, political, and class stratification. The authors use spatial modeling and artifacts from archaeological excavations to analyze the pattern of Niuheliang and consider the role of the landscape environment of the Hongshan sacrificial site. The authors present evidence from archaeological excavations and spatial modeling, to examine the settlements and ritual practices of the Hongshan culture in Neolithic China. They conclude that ritual activities and elite burials were concentrated in several key locations and were significant for the large-scale integration. The article takes the Niuheliang site as an example and analyzes the settlement model, including core villages, scattered hamlets, and hilltop fortifications. The study of these sites helps us understand the social, political, and economic changes that took place during this period, as well as the role of etiquette and ritual in the formation of early Chinese civilization. This essay also provides valuable insight into the visibility pattern at Niuheliang and uses quantitative analysis to understand the spatial and temporal stratification in the ritual landscape.As the authors examine in detail the settlements and ritual customs of Hongshan culture, including the treatment of different types of stone resources, portable material culture, and animal imagery. They use the spatial model to analyze the visibility pattern of Niuhe Liang. The paper is highly professional and adopts the method of combining archaeological analysis, interpretation, and the synthesis of existing evidence. One of the strengths of the article is that it provides a solid foundation for its analysis and conclusions based on evidence from archaeological excavations and surveys. The authors use a variety of methods to analyze the settlement and ritual practices of the Hongshan culture, providing a comprehensive view of the culture and its customs. They also use spatial modeling to analyze the visibility pattern of Niuhe Liang, providing valuable insight into the importance of these sites in integrating Hongshan society. Another strength is its highly professional nature as authors adopt a rigorous methodology and provide detailed analysis of the settlement and ritual practices. The paper is well-organized and is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in Hongshan culture. One weakness is that the article uses highly specialized terms such as Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, which difficult for me to understand. The essay provides evidence that ritual activities were important for integrating Hongshan society, but it does not explicitly argue why this was the case. Furthermore, the authors do not provide a clear definition of what they mean by "integration" in this context, leaving the reader to infer its meaning from the evidence presented. Overall, this paper is highly relevant to the field of archaeology and Chinese history, providing a thorough analysis of the settlements and ritual practices of the Hongshan culture in Neolithic China.

Jing, Yuan, and Rowan K. Flad 2002 “Pig Domestication in Ancient China.” Antiquity 76 (293): 724–32. In the paper, "Pig Domestication in Ancient China,"by Jing, Yuan, and Rowan K. Flad explore the development of pig farming in ancient China through the study of remains found in Neolithic sites. The authors use various analytical methods to determine the age and characteristics of pig remains, analyze the proportion of pigs in animal assemblages, and examine the association of pigs with cultural relics and human activities. This review will discuss the paper's main findings, strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for future research. The authors conclude that pigs were one of the earliest domesticated animals in China and the most important domestic animal in East Asian agricultural societies. The paper provides valuable insights into the role of pigs in ancient Chinese society and the complex processes of human-animal interactions. The authors highlight the importance of environmental factors, such as meat shortages and agricultural excesses, in driving animal domestication, and the role of cultural and technological innovation in shaping human survival strategies. The paper's use of established analytical methods provides a solid foundation for future research in the field of animal domestication. The authors' detailed analysis of pig remains and their association with cultural relics and human activities offer valuable insights into the development of pig farming in ancient China. The paper's focus on the three stages of animal domestication in China adds to the body of knowledge about human-animal interactions and survival strategies.One drawback of the paper is its narrow focus on pig domestication in ancient China without comparisons with other regions or species, making it difficult to draw broader conclusions about animal domestication and totemism. The paper's limited discussion of the social and economic impact of pig domestication at the time also leaves room for future research. Future research can build on the paper's results by comparing pig domestication in ancient China with other regions and species. Analyzing the social and economic impact of pig domestication at the time, using new genetic analysis methods to distinguish modern pigs from those of the time, and examining the significance of the jade pig dragon style ritual vessels can also provide valuable insights into the development of pig farming in ancient China. In conclusion, " Pig Domestication in Ancient China" by Jing, Yuan, and Rowan K. Flad is a valuable contribution to the field of animal domestication. The paper's use of established analytical methods and detailed analysis of pig remains and their association with cultural relics and human activities provide insights into the complex processes of human-animal interactions and the development of agricultural societies. While the paper's narrow focus on pig domestication in ancient China limits its generalizability, it opens up opportunities for future research to compare pig domestication in other regions and species and to examine the social and economic impact of pig domestication at the time.

Tian, Guanglin 2004 The Altar, Temple, tomb of Hongshan Culture and The Origin of Ancient Chinese Ancestral Temples and Tombs. Journal of Historical Studies (2): 68-73. In "The Altar, Temple, Tomb of Hongshan Culture and the Origin of Ancient Chinese Ancestral Temples and Tombs," Tian Guanglin explores the origin of ancestral temples and mausoleums in ancient China through a detailed analysis of the Niuheliang Site and Hongshan culture. The paper provides valuable insights into the significance of ancestor worship, the role of uniting tribes and stabilizing society, and the importance of the public will in forming a unified religious authority. Guanglin argues that the Niuheliang Site served as a center of ancestor worship and theocracy in the nature of the original royal mausoleum and ancestral temple. The rulers used the traditional custom of ancestor worship to sublimate the mentality of the original clan and tribe into a unified social consciousness, thereby uniting the people and stabilizing the society. The article emphasizes the importance of the public will in forming a unified religious authority and clan authority based on the general will, as evidenced by the emergence of a unified religious theocracy and clan power. Through the analysis of the tomb of Hongshan culture, the author notes that the accumulated stone mound of Hongshan culture was the burial place of the upper social figures. The essence of ancestor worship in the temple became apparent when the residents of Hongshan culture began to worship ancestors who had great significance to the survival and development of their clan and community. The author also explains that the existence of altars and tombs, and the combination of tombs and temples in tombs, was a puzzling phenomenon because people believed that the mountains were the places where the gods lived and therefore buried their revered ancestors on the hills near where they lived. One of the strengths of the paper is the author's use of a variety of sources, including the Literature of the North and the Collection and Interpretation of the Records of Rites, to provide a detailed analysis of Hongshan culture and its influence on Chinese society. However, the article would benefit from a comprehensive bibliography or list of citations to help readers explore the topic in more detail. The paper also touches on the influence of the Niuheliang "NvShen Temple" on the later Chinese ritual civilization as emphasizes the nature of honoring ancestors in the temple and its profound influence on the formation of royal power. However, the paper could further supplement the various civilizations in the New Era for comparison to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the topic. For example explore the significance of the original imperial tomb and ancestor worship, uniting the people and stabilizing the society. Comparative analysis of Hongshan Culture with other cultures or historical periods could also shed light on the unique features of Hongshan culture. Additionally, the role of art and symbol in the worship practice of Hongshan culture, as well as the social structure and hierarchy of Hongshan culture, are important areas for further study. Overall, "The Altar, Temple, Tomb of Hongshan Culture and the Origin of Ancient Chinese Ancestral Temples and Tombs" provides valuable insights into the origin of ancestral temples and mausoleums in ancient China. The paper highlights the significance of ancestor worship in uniting the people and stabilizing the society and emphasizes the importance of the public will in forming a unified religious authority and clan authority. Despite the lack of a comprehensive bibliography or list of citations, the paper provides a useful resource for scholars interested in Chinese history, cultural origins, and archaeology.

Fung, C. 2000 The Drinks Are on Us: Ritual, Social Status, and Practice in Dawenkou Burials, N North China. Journal of East Asian Archaeology 2(1–2): 67–92. C. Fung's article "The drinks are on us: ritual, social status, and practice in Dawenkou burials, North China" provides a detailed examination of how ritual practices were used to establish and reinforce social hierarchies in the Dawenkou culture of North China during the Neolithic period. This review analyzes the strengths and limitations of the article, as well as its contributions to the fields of archaeology, anthropology, and history. Fung's paper highlights the importance of pottery, animal remains, and feasting and drinking rituals in Dawenkou burials. By examining the burial objects, burial structures, burial customs and spatial distribution, the author provides insights into the social organization and complexity of the Dawenkou culture. The paper also makes a comparative analysis with other contemporary cultures and situates the Dawenkou culture in the broader context of Neolithic China. The interdisciplinary approach of the paper, combining archaeology and anthropology, makes a profound analysis of the relationship between wine ritual practice, social status, and material culture. One of the strengths of the article is the detailed examination of burial practices and artifacts found in burials, providing valuable insights into the Dawenkou culture and its contribution to the social complexity of northern coastal China. The author also uses statistical analysis to check the use frequency of certain funerary objects and the way of placing them in tombs, which adds to the comprehensiveness of the archaeological methods used. Moreover, the comparative analysis with other cultures of the period allows for a more comprehensive insight into the social dynamics of prehistoric society. The article's reliance on Chinese publishing sources may limit access for non-Chinese readers, and it does not provide a complete list of all ceramic burial objects found in Dawenkou tombs. Additionally, the possibility that a large number of the same burial objects could have been a social trend rather than a social complexity was not discussed. Future research could further address these limitations to provide a more complete understanding of the Dawenkou culture and its contributions to social complexity in northern coastal China. Fung's article provides a valuable overview of the Dawenkou culture and its contribution to the social complexity of northern coastal China during 5000-2500 BC. The interdisciplinary approach and use of statistical analysis provide a deep understanding of the relationship between wine ritual practice, social status, and material culture. However, further research is needed to address uncertainties and limitations and to gain a more complete understanding of the Dawenkou culture and its contributions to social complexity. Overall, this article makes a significant contribution to the field by providing valuable insights into the culture of Dawenkou and its contribution to social complexity during the Neolithic period in China.

Bibliography Fung, C. 2000 The Drinks Are on Us: Ritual, Social Status, and Practice in Dawenkou Burials, N North China. Journal of East Asian Archaeology 2(1–2): 67–92. Tian, Guanglin 2004 The Altar, Temple, tomb of Hongshan Culture and The Origin of Ancient Chinese Ancestral Temples and Tombs. Journal of Historical Studies (2): 68-73. Jing, Yuan, and Rowan K. Flad 2002 “Pig Domestication in Ancient China.” Antiquity 76 (293): 724–32. Xueqin, Li 2002 The Xia-Shang-Zhou Chronology Project: Methodology and Results. Journal of East Asian Archaeology 4 (1): 321–33. Zhang, Hai, Andrew Bevan, and Dashun Guo 2013 The Neolithic Ceremonial Complex at Niuheliang and Wider Hongshan Landscapes in Northeastern China. Journal of World Prehistory 26 (1): 1–24. Sun 7