Animal resource exploitation at the Huadizui site on the eve of state formation in China (1850–1750 BC)

The Xinzhai period (1850–1750 BC) was on the eve of state formation. Abundant animal remains unearthed from the Huadizui site provide new key materials for a comprehensive understanding of animal resource utilization at that time. At Huadizui, the exploitation of pigs and sheep shows a meat-oriented utilization. The exploitation of secondary products for sheep and cattle was absent. The activities of raising, hunting and consuming large bovines were less efficient but served as significant approaches to demonstrate the wealth or prestige of elites. In contrast, the Xinzhai site, a potential capital during Xinzhai Period, saw newly intensified and specialized animal exploitation, especially for secondary products. This differentiation in animal exploitation appeared earlier than state formation, suggesting the new intensified manner of animal utilization, that is, the exploitation of secondary products, may have been a critical force in sustaining the crucial political shift. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of animal exploitation in the process of state formation.