Microblades in MIS2 Central China: Cultural Change and Adaptive Strategies

ABSTRACT The diffusion of Northeast Asian microblades and their relation to human migration are key issues to understanding the peopling of the Americas. However, understanding of this process is hindered by a lack of a cultural framework for terminal Pleistocene Central China. This paper reviews data from microblade sites located in Central China dating to Marine Isotope Stage 2, uses a modified typology based on the chaîne opératoire to build a chronological sequence of changing lithic technology and typology, and further divides the Central Chinese sequence into four main phases: 29,000–22,000 cal yr BP, 22,000–17,000 cal yr BP, 17,000–14,000 cal yr BP, and 14,000–10,000 cal yr BP. By comparing this chronology with established sequences for other parts of Northeast Asia, it is evident that these technological phases appeared in different orders across the region, which is best explained by human migrations driven by climate change and possibly transition in adaptive strategies.