Research On The Xiaqiyuan Culture

This paper focuses on Xiaqiyuan Culture,called Pre-Shang Culture by some scholars,which is mainly distributed in Hebei and Henan provinces.Based on the methods of stratigraphy,typology and cultural elements analysis,this dissertation refines the chronological sequence of the culture,systematically investigates its temporal and spatial distribution,clarifies the division of local types and their respective origins,and makes a detailed discussion on the interaction between the Xiaqiyuan Culture and the surrounding archaeological cultures and communication routes.It also discusses the social structure of Xiaqiyuan Culture by analyzing settlements and cemeteries.On the basis of the above-mentioned research,this study discusses the process of regional cultural integration from the Erlitou Period to the Early Shang Period.This dissertation includes seven chapters.The first chapter is the introduction,which presents the research object and spatiotemporal frame,explains the related concepts,sorts out q brief history and overview of the research,summarizes the current situation and existing problems,and introduces the research purpose and methods adopted.The second chapter a stratigraphic and typological research on the related remains in the region divided into small areas,and investigates the stages and chronological issues.Based on this research,the remains of Xiaqiyuan Culture can be divided into five periods,and are roughly contemporary to the Erlitou Culture.Based on this chronological sequence,some stone and bone artifacts are further investigated.The third chapter mainly discusses the spatial distribution diachronically and analyses its causes.Then,it clearifies the limits of the local types of Xiaqiyuan Culture and summarizes the cultural exchanges and chronological changes of each type.The fourth chapter investigates the origins of these types,discusses the influence of the Xiaqiyuan Cultural elements on the surrounding areas,and discusses the communication routes between the East and the West of the Taihang Mountains.This research shows that the Eight passes of Taihang Mountains,such as Zhiguan Xing,Taihang Xing,Bai Xing,Fukou Xing,Feihu Xing,Puyin Xing,and Jundu Xing,mentionned in the posterior texts,have all been used during this period.The fifth chapter discusses the social structure of the Xiaqiyuan Culture through the study of the settlements and cemeteries.It is believed that the three types had relatively independent settlement systems that did not form a unified political system,and may have been linked through relatively loose alliances.There are large cemeteries based on kinship,with obvious social stratification.Analysis of these cemeteries show that wealth and social status could be transferred between relatives,and may have belonged to different systems.Combining archaeological cultural research with settlement archaeology,the sixth chapter discusses the role of the Xiaqiyuan Culture in the formation of the Erligang Culture,and analyses regional cultural integration and its underlying motivations.The seventh chapter is a conclusion,it summarizes the main contents of the dissertation and the research results,as well as the limitations of this research.