Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences最新文献

As a notable technological advancement, archery played diverse roles in human adaptation to environmental changes and cultural interaction from the Late Pleistocene through historical periods. The identity and behavioral patterns of archery in ancient populations were closely related to their subsistence strategies, violent conflicts, ritual practices, and the organization of social and labour divisions. The ancient Subeixi people (13th–1st centuries BCE) inhabited the desert oases of the Turpan Basin, located in the central region of the Eurasian continent, where they contended with harsh environment and intricate cultural conflicts. Abundant excavated archery-related burial goods provided evidence for their widespread archery practices. We analyzed upper limb entheseal changes, biomechanical properties, and bilateral asymmetry in two Subeixi skeletal collections from the Shengjindian and Jiayi cemeteries. Our results reveal that, in the Shengjindian population, individuals buried with archery-related goods showed significantly higher EC scores at several key muscle attachment sites and reduced upper limb asymmetry, corresponding with the biomechanical patterns of archery activity. In contrast, a similar trend was not observed in the Jiayi population from an earlier period. Skeletal shape and robusticity based on geometric attributes showed no consistent or significant trends across both groups. These findings align with the hypothesis that, in ancient Subeixi society, archery was likely practiced widely as a supplementary practice in subsistence activities and interpersonal conflict, rather than as a specialized occupation. The differing patterns between the two populations further support the view that, with social development, increased cultural interactions, and changes in subsistence strategies, the role of archery may have shifted over time, with a potential trend toward specialization and intensification.

Turquoise-inlaid composite ornaments are commonly found in Late Neolithic and Bronze Age China. However, the methods used to affix small turquoise pieces to prehistoric ornaments remain unclear. In this study, archaeological adhesive samples from turquoise-inlaid wrist ornaments found at the Taosi site, Shanxi Province, north China, during 2300 − 1900 BCE, were characterized by using FTIR and Py-GC/MS analysis. Through comparing the chemical compositions of archaeological materials and modern samples, the adhesive was identified as birch bark tar, which is reported for the first time in China. Moreover, it is also suggested that the wide use of turquoise inlaying technology in north China may be linked to the production of birch bark tar. This research has combined chemical analytical technologies with archaeological background information to reconstruct the technological development and material innovation in ornamental manufacturing of early societies in ancient China.

A cradleboard is one of the most common factors that modify the human cranium. Due to the constant positioning of the infant’s occiput (back of the head) against it, the occipital bone becomes somewhat flattened. Due to the slight morphological alterations involved in this type of cranium and the morphological variations associated with ethnic and geographical diversity, it remains challenging to identify and classify such crania. These types of crania have been rarely documented in archaeological excavations conducted in Iran. In this study, 102 CT scans and medical images of contemporary individuals from Khuzestan, southwestern Iran, were analyzed using a morphometric method based on elliptic Fourier analysis to identify cradleboard-induced cranial modification and to specify the osteological details associated with this type of modification. In the statistical population, flattening of the occipital bone resulted in a reduction of the maximum cranial length to as low as 162.2 mm in some cases. On the other hand, the maximum cranial breadth increased to as high as 159.8 mm in specific specimens. The simultaneous tracking of these two indices focused on the superior view outline of the crania, which was reconstructed using elliptic Fourier analysis. The morphometric method successfully distinguished 23 flattened crania from 79 normal crania. The shorter the cranial length and the greater the cranial breadth, the more distinguishable the flattened specimen was from the Normal group. In addition to revealing the morphological details of cradleboard-induced modification, given the ethnic and geographical diversity and the sample size of this study, the results could help identify similar archaeological specimens.

Deer remains are commonly identified in archaeological assemblages. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) occur across much of North America with significant overlap in the western United States including Arizona. Though white-tailed and mule deer generally occupy different environmental zones, archaeologists typically do not differentiate between the skeletal remains of these species because of their similar skeletal anatomy. Historically when archaeologists have differentiated white-tailed deer and mule deer they relied upon size as the distinguishing factor. In 2003 and 2004 Dr. Jodi Jacobson proposed post-cranial skeletal characteristics and predictive formulae for linear morphometric measurements which differentiate deer remains to species. We conducted a blind test of analysts’ ability to apply Jacobson’s qualitative and quantitative methods using deer in reference collections at the University of Arizona. Analysts’ experience in zooarchaeology did not strongly impact analysts’ ability to apply Jacobson’s system, but we were unable to recreate Jacobson’s reported accuracy. Jacobson’s formulae did appear to accurately differentiate deer remains, though again we did not achieve her reported accuracy.

The prosperous East Asian maritime trade network during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1912) promoted the flow of goods and led to the widespread circulation of Japanese copper coins in the southeastern coastal and inland areas of China, forming a unique cross-border monetary culture phenomenon. This study takes six copper coins unearthed from the Qipanshan Tomb in northern Fujian as the object, aiming to reveal the alloy characteristics and technological origins of currency circulation in this specific time and space through microscopic material science. It comprehensively uses metallographic microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques to systematically characterize the chemical composition, microstructure, and corrosion products of the samples. The results show that: (1) The material of the samples does not adopt the traditional copper-tin-lead ternary formula but shows a clear difference in composition between copper-lead alloy (Cu-Pb) and copper-zinc alloy (brass). Among them, Copper Coins No. 1 and No. 2 are confirmed to be Kan’ei Tsūhō coins cast in Japan. The lead content of No. 1, as high as 27%, reveals its special technology of “using lead instead of copper” as an export-type trade currency during the Edo period. (2) The Ming and Qing dynasty brass samples defined the technical distinction between official and private coinage. Copper Coins No. 4 and No. 6, with their pure single-phase structure and stable zinc content of 27%, were confirmed as official standard coins. However, the presence of non-formulated inclusions such as magnesium (Mg) and aluminum (Al) in Copper Coins No. 3 and No. 5 indicates the economic reality of private minting using recycled copper for profit. (3) Burial environment analysis showed that acidic red soil caused the formation of dense ferrosilicon hard rust on the surface of the coins and induced the formation of autocatalytically destructive atacamite in some samples, revealing a typical corrosion mechanism in high-humidity acidic soil. This study quantifies the circulation of Japanese coins deep into the inland hinterland of China from a materials science perspective, providing key scientific evidence for reconstructing the economic status of northern Fujian in the East Asian trade system during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

This article presents a case study that demonstrates the potential research value of metal-detected finds—when responsibly reported and properly contextualized—for advancing archaeological knowledge. Focusing on the prehistoric hoard from Cocoșești (southern Romania), accidentally discovered by a metal detectorist searching for pigeon leg rings, this study emphasizes that, despite the absence of a clear stratigraphic context, a careful analysis of the artefacts themselves—copper weapons and gold ornaments—can yield essential insights into broader patterns of past material culture. In the Romanian archaeological landscape, where isolated finds recovered through metal detecting are often strongly devalued for reasons unrelated to their scientific merit, the outcomes of this investigation have enabled the partial reconstruction of an event that took place over four millennia ago. The article outlines a methodological workflow for examining such finds, along with a theoretical framework for their conceptual integration into the wider archaeological record. As such, the research not only documents a Bronze Age hoard but also advocates for a paradigm shift in how archaeology engages with the realities of contemporary discoveries. It promotes the development of constructive relationships between professional archaeologists and the metal-detecting community—interactions that are essential for reducing illegal and irresponsible detecting practices.

The Gachayingzi site represents the first confirmed bloomery iron production site associated with the early Xianbei people discovered in Northeast China to date, dating to 28–204 CE. Microstructural and elemental analyses of slag samples demonstrate that both bloomery iron smelting and smithing processes were practiced at the site. This archaeometallurgical study provides preliminary insights into the iron production techniques of China's early Xianbei, laying a solid foundation for related research. Synthesizing regional archaeological evidence, the study suggests that early Xianbei iron production technology likely developed through cultural and technical interactions with the Xiongnu. Furthermore, the identification of bloomery iron smelting in Northeast China offers new perspectives for re-evaluating the transmission routes of this technology to the Korean Peninsula.

This study examines the alloy compositions, production techniques, and lead isotopic signatures of 18 bronze artifacts excavated from the Taofang cemetery in Taoyuan County, Hunan Province, dated to the middle to late Warring States period (391–221 BCE). The analysis reveals that all 12 bronze swords of the Xiangxi-type and 6 Chu-style bronze items were cast rather than forged and made from lead-tin bronze or tin bronze alloys. No evidence of post-casting treatments such as hammering or annealing is present. Although the compositions of these alloys are not culturally distinctive, they do serve the practical requirements. Lead isotope analysis indicates that the raw materials were derived from polymetallic ore sources, potentially from southern Hunan, northern Guangdong, or western Henan. Some Xiangxi-type swords appear to have been produced using mixed ores from two different regions. Comparison of the grouping of the lead isotope data for the Xiangxi-type swords with Chu-style artifacts from the same period suggests a similar production background, which suggests that these swords were produced with ores commonly used in bronze casting workshops under the control of the Chu state. Given the Chu’s strict administrative control over bronze craftsmanship, the production and distribution of the Xiangxi-type swords were likely managed by the Chu authorities. These swords may have served as political tools for consolidating regional alliances and extending Chu’s influence in Xiangxi region (the western part of Hunan Province). This study not only fills the gap in the archaeometallurgical research of Xiangxi-type bronze swords but also deepens our understanding of the regional bronze traditions in Xiangxi region. Furthermore, it offers new insights into the socio-political relationships between the Chu state and local indigenous communities during the Warring States period (476 − 221 BCE).

This study examines miniature iron artefacts from the Ba Mausoleum of Emperor Wen to explore the technical strategies for making these iron ritual items. Analyses of 42 samples identified three principal production pathways: mould-casting, annealing-forging, and fining-forging, indicating a diverse range of processing techniques derived from a cast iron-based production system. The technological choices evident in these ritual artefacts, however, diverge significantly from those of contemporary utilitarian ironware. Most significant is the use of labour-intensive forging for ritual items, despite the availability of efficient alternatives. This technical extravagance contradicts the overarching ideology of frugality (Bo-Zang) advocated by Emperor Wen, as evidenced by historical records. We argue that iron served primarily as a medium to reconcile ideological frugality with the need for institutional symbolism in the afterlife bureaucracy, rather than reflecting a strict adherence to cost-saving in the manufacturing process. Consequently, the principle of frugality was not uniformly applied, with factors such as artisan autonomy and inconsistent institutional oversight likely exerting a stronger influence on the final technological choices.

In this paper, we review the palaeoparasitological literature concerning the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic and Canary archipelagos. This article forms part of the special issue of AAS, “Microarchaeology: Making Visible the (In)visible Archaeological Record through High-Resolution Integrated Approaches,” which places particular emphasis on the current state of microarchaeological approaches in the Iberian Peninsula. The objective is therefore to document the contribution of palaeoparasitology to the microarchaeology of this region, with a specific focus on microscopic approaches. The bibliographic survey of the published research allows us to highlight its origins and recent growth in this region, as well as its structuring and development around the discipline of biological anthropology. To this published corpus, new data were added, generated by our research group, with the aim of critically outlining the major trends in the results obtained in this region. Analysis shows that the paleoparasitological corpus in the region is largely dominated by archaeofunerary contexts, most likely linked to the historical structuring of the discipline. This enables to compare the detection frequency of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) among historical populations of the Iberian Peninsula over time, as well as with other ancient European populations studied elsewhere. It demonstrates the continuity and persistence of STHs within Iberian populations from prehistoric times to the twentieth century. It shows that the diversity and frequency of observed STHs are consistent with the currently known ecology and physiology of these parasitic infections, but that the frequency variations observed among ancient populations of the Iberian Peninsula are similar to those found in other previously studied European populations. The comparison of populations from different cultural backgrounds and regions demonstrates that the observed variations appear to be better explained -at present- by taphonomic factors than by cultural factors, and that such inferences should be avoided unless supported by sufficient data to demonstrate genuine differences in the first place. Finally, this review shows that the observed diversity of parasitic remains is likely to be context-dependent, and that those recovered from funerary contexts allow for genuine palaeoepidemiological inferences, unimpeded by post-depositional contamination.