Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences最新文献

As a pivotal hub connecting significant cultural centers in prehistoric Xinjiang, the Changji region displays clear evidence of multicultural interactions. However, its central role has not been sufficiently addressed in existing archaeometallurgical studies, with unresolved questions regarding the developmental trajectory of metallurgical technology and the routes of technological transmission. This study analyzed copper-based artifacts excavated from Baiyanghe Cemetery in Fukang city, Xinjiang, employing SEM-EDS and MC-ICP-MS, to elucidate the metallurgical characteristics of the late Bronze Age in Changji and to clarify its role in inter-regional exchanges of copper alloy technology and raw materials. Compositional analyses indicate that samples are primarily tin bronze and pure copper, with a certain amount of arsenic copper suggests a distinct technological influence from the Hami region. Furthermore, lead isotope data—incorporating ancient artifacts, ancient metallurgical remains, and modern ores—reveals that the Ili region was an important supplier of copper source for Baiyanghe Cemetery during the late Bronze Age, with a portion of additional copper materials from other sources, collectively sustaining copper alloy production in Changji region. By integrating metallurgical technology from the Hami region with copper resources from the Ili region, Changji region functioned as a dynamic intermediary along the Tianshan corridor, facilitating east-west circulation of metal resource across the Tianshan Mountains during the late Bronze Age, reflecting the adaptive localization, technological integration, and innovation in regional metallurgical practices.

This paper presents a new method for differentiating postcranial bone remains of red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from European archaeological contexts. These species have very similar bone morphology and partly overlapping size ranges, often preventing species-level identification in zooarchaeological research. Traditional methods, such as the use of diagnostic morphological criteria, or aDNA analysis, present practical and methodological limitations. In this study, bone biometric data from modern specimens, sourced from various institutions across northern and southern Europe, are analysed to determine size ranges and shape indices that can separate the three species, focussing on both adult and immature individuals. By comparing measurement values from archaeological remains against these biometric criteria, species identification can be attempted. The low-tech nature of this approach and the transparent, diagrammatic presentation of biometric results make the new method objective and highly accessible. In European and Mediterranean historical archaeology, the species-level identification of cervid remains is crucial in the investigation of biogeography, trading activities, hunting strategies, cultural values, and social status.

The present study focused on two types of Tang royal artefacts — the bodily adornments of Princess Li Chui and eight reliquaries from Famen Temple — to provide a deeper understanding of Tang-period granulation. Morphological analysis, metallographic examination, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive system were carried out on granulated samples from these objects to investigate granule size and distribution, composition, microstructure, and methods of granule production and bonding, thereby clarifying the characteristic features of Tang-period granulation. The decorative granule styles in both types of items were commonly found on Tang-period granulated objects, yet they represented an innovative form within the broader tradition of ancient granulation. Vein gold without further purification, refined gold, and artificially alloyed gold alloy were intentionally used to produce granules. Multiple methods were employed in granule production, in some cases even in a single ornament. Brazing and autogenous welding were used for bonding, with the former applied to smaller granules. The diversity of techniques suggested that multiple artisans from the central government workshop may have contributed to the manufacture of the eight reliquaries. These findings indicated that granulation had reached a high level of technical and artistic sophistication during the Tang dynasty. Furthermore, the study discussed the status of granulation in this period. Overall, the present study may enhance understanding of ancient granulation, as well as the production and organisation of the Tang central government workshop.

This paper investigates the kaki-calyx-shaped and disc-shaped gilt-bronze coffin ornaments excavated from the Dapingzi cemetery through several scientific methods, trying to reveal the casting and gilding techniques used to produce these ornaments. Metallographic analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) were conducted combining with archaeological studies. The results show that the gilt-bronze paoding (泡钉, dome-headed nails) were first cast followed by reheating and annealing processes, with possible variations in the techniques or practices employed by individual craftsmen. Paoding were made with piece-mould casting technique, which leaves the mould seam runs along the central axis of the nail. The gilding technique used was identified as mercury gilding, and the traces of “Yaguang” technique (use a jade object to press gilded layers tightly together) was also detected on the gilded layers. The bronze disc-shaped ornaments were believed to have originated from jade bi (璧, a disc-shaped artefact), which possess a symbolic significance representing tianmen (天门, the Gate to the Above) as guiding the souls of the deceased to the afterlife.

Excavations at the Maoershan site in northern Fujian have revealed a significant cluster of Late Neolithic kilns (ca. 4000–3500 BP), associated with the large-scale production of black-slipped pottery, providing new insights into ceramic technology in southeastern China. This study investigates the technical characteristics of these ceramics, focusing on the distinctions between hard- and soft-textured variants. Chemical and mineralogical analyses indicate that hard-textured vessels were made from high-alumina kaolin clays and fired under carefully controlled conditions, enabled by kiln design innovations and strategic placement within the firing chamber. These technological choices suggest a deliberate response to enhancing performance and production efficiency, driven primarily by practical considerations. The findings highlight how prehistoric potters in southeastern China applied local materials and firing expertise to meet the practical needs of their communities, contributing to a broader understanding of technological adaptation in early complex societies.

During the 14th century, the inhabitants of Kutná Hora, an important urban centre in the Kingdom of Bohemia, were exposed to recurrent mortality crises. Using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes, this study investigates the relationship between diet and the famine of 1318 and the plague outbreaks after 1346. Together with a comparative sample from regular graves, a total of 112 bone samples were collected, supplemented by 70 first permanent molars subjected to the dentine serial sampling method. The mean bone carbon isotope value (δ¹³C) was − 19.3 ± 0.3‰. The mean bone nitrogen isotope value (δ¹⁵N) was 12.0 ± 0.7‰. Individuals from famine graves showed lower δ¹⁵N values than those from regular graves. Individuals who survived into adulthood (survivors) showed higher δ¹⁵N values than those who died before adulthood i.e. non-survivors (even in the reduced sample of regular graves). Weaning age as estimated by WEAN software was 2.8 years. There was a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors but due to the smaller sample size, the confounding effect of other factors cannot be excluded. The population sample studied had a diet based on C3 plants, with a significant contribution from animal products and/or fish. Lower δ¹⁵N values in famine victims suggested that lower intake of animal products increased the likelihood of starvation. Plague mortality does not appear to be related to dietary patterns. Apart from catastrophic events, current data suggest that a low proportion of animal products in the diet and perhaps earlier weaning reduced the chances of survival to adulthood.

The gilded bronze monument to Marcus Aurelius is the only equestrian statue larger-than-life-size of the Imperial Rome to survive to the present day. A sample from an area covered by the flap of the emperor’s cloak, which is intact and unaffected by restoration works over the centuries, was investigated by depth-profiling X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The elemental composition analysis revealed the presence of mercury with a typical bell-shaped pattern at the level of and below the gold layer. Moreover, the detailed study of the atomic composition of the bronze alloy leads to the hypothesis of an “oxidative depletion” pre-treatment of the bronze surface (characterized by a high tin and lead content) in preparation for the gilding process. Finally, the interdiffusion phenomena are particularly evident and are compatible with a moderate heating for short periods during the gilding process. These evidences provide further details about the gilding techniques used in the ancient world.

Understanding formation processes is crucial for interpreting sites with complex sedimentary histories and exceptional archaeological records, such as Level 3 of Des-Cubierta Cave. This Middle Paleolithic unit contains an assemblage of anthropically modified ungulate horned crania, Mousterian lithics, and evidence of fire use, all preserved in a clast-supported gravel deposit shaped by successive rockfalls. This study integrates geostatistical analyses with traditional spatial and taphonomic methods to examine the cone-shaped sedimentary structure that dominates the level and its influence on the spatial distribution and preservation of archaeological materials. The results reveal distinct spatial patterns for geological and archaeological materials, indicating separate formation dynamics. Size-based spatial analyses of boulders characterize the morphology of the conical structure, highlighting size sorting and intensity variations that may indicate sedimentary hiatuses. Bone refitting analysis suggests limited post-depositional movement, with material distribution shaped by the conical sedimentary structure and karst gallery morphology. Variability in crania preservation correlates with proximity to the cone’s apex and elevation, with better-preserved specimens in central areas and more fragmented remains in zones affected by erosive and edaphic processes. These findings underscore the value of integrating geostatistical and traditional archaeological approaches to advance interpretations of spatial and temporal patterns in karst environments and provide a methodological approach for examining sites with similar sedimentary histories. Moreover, the results support the interpretation of a recurrent, culturally motivated Neanderthal behaviour centred on the deliberate accumulation of large ungulate crania, pointing to a symbolic dimension in these practices.

X-ray diffraction analysis of bronze coins dating from the 1st to the 19th century CE, together with several modern bronze samples of known composition, has revealed that the natural aging of the Pb–Sn solid solution within lead inclusions occurs over a period of approximately 350 years. During this time, the tin concentration in the inclusions decreases from about 3 at% (or higher) to roughly 1 at%. This gradual depletion of tin provides a measurable indicator of the age of leaded bronze artifacts. The finding expands the time range for distinguishing modern replicas and forgeries from genuine historical or Renaissance bronzes—extending beyond the dating capabilities of conventional ^210Pb analysis.

Northern China has been a crucial region for interactions between agricultural and nomadic populations. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, nomadic groups from the northern steppe frequently migrated southward. However, the genetic interactions between steppe nomadic and agricultural populations in the Central Plains, and the extent of their genetic influence, remain unclear. Here, we obtained the ancient genome of three individuals from two noble tombs dating from the Northern Zhou to the Sui Dynasty. We reconstructed the core family structure of a parent-child relationship for these individuals, shedding light on the family structure and marriage patterns of Northern Zhou aristocrats. Although they bore Xianbei surnames, they shared the closest genetic relationship with sedentary agriculturalists in northern China with subtle genetic admixture from nomadic populations of the Eurasian Steppe. This suggests that they were likely Han aristocrats, consistent with historical records indicating their “bestowed Xianbei surnames.” Different from published Han aristocrats, the genetic profiles of these families demonstrate the subtle genetic influence of the Eurasian Steppe pastoralists on the agricultural populations of northern China. Our study reveals the genetic diversity of Han hereditary nobility under nomadic rule, enhancing the comprehension of dynamic population interactions during this period.