Patterns of entheseal changes and other activity markers in an ancient population from Neolithic to Bronze Age (8000–2300 BP) at the Houtaomuga site, Northeast China with special references to climate changes, subsistence strategies, sex-based labor divisions, and regional variations

Entheseal changes are skeletal markers, which are often used in the reconstruction of physical activities. This study investigated patterns of entheseal changes and other activity markers, such as squatting facets and degerative signs at joints in a mortuary population of the Houtaomuga site, Northeast China. Comparisons were conducted between the early period (Neolithic to Early Bronze Age, 8000–2500 BP) and the late period (Late Bronze Age, 2300 BP). Differences between two sexes of the late period were also compared. The results demonstrated that the frequency and severity of entheseal changes and other activity markers differed between early and late populations and between males and females of the late population suggesting subsistence strategies changes and new patterns of sex-based divisions of labor. This is the first attempt to assess activity changes in fisher–hunter–gatherer populations over a long period of time from ancient China. Results reveal that though the Houtaomuga population maintained the primary subsistence modes of fishing, hunting, and gathering, their entheses elucidate gradual shifts along with reduced activity stress due to sedentary life and intensified sex-based divisions of labor and the advent of craft specializations, which was likely influenced by climate changes.