HongShan
The Hongshan culture (simplified Chinese: 红山文化; traditional Chinese: 紅山文化; pinyin: Hóngshān Wénhuà) was a Neolithic culture in northeastern China. It primarily flourished from approximately 4700 to 2900 BC. The culture is characterized by its extensive jade carvings, sophisticated pottery, and evidence of early social stratification and ritualistic practices.
The Hongshan culture was centered in the Liao River basin, primarily in what is now Inner Mongolia and Liaoning province. Archaeological sites associated with Hongshan have revealed evidence of settled agricultural communities. They cultivated millet and other crops and raised domesticated animals.
Key features of the Hongshan culture include:
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Jade Carvings: The Hongshan culture is renowned for its intricate jade carvings, often depicting animals such as dragons, turtles, and birds. These jade artifacts likely held symbolic or religious significance. The “pig-dragon” (zhulong) is a particularly iconic example of Hongshan jade work.
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Pottery: Hongshan pottery was typically red or brown in color and decorated with geometric patterns. Pottery vessels were used for cooking, storage, and ritual purposes.
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Ritual Sites: Archaeological excavations have uncovered large-scale ritual sites, including altars, temples, and cairns. These sites suggest the presence of a complex belief system and organized religious practices. The Niuheliang site is a prominent example, featuring a temple complex and numerous tombs containing jade artifacts.
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Social Stratification: The presence of elaborate burial goods and distinct social classes is inferred from the differences in burial contexts. Some individuals were buried with a wealth of jade objects, while others were interred with simpler grave goods, indicating variations in social status.
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Relationship to Later Cultures: The Hongshan culture is considered a significant precursor to later Chinese civilizations. Some scholars suggest a possible connection between Hongshan religious beliefs and later Chinese dragon mythology and imperial symbolism. The culture is thought to have influenced the development of early Chinese states and played a role in the formation of Chinese cultural identity.