关键词: 旧石器文化; “西方元素”; 重叠与穿时性; 进化格局

Abstract: This paper reviews the arguments for the existence of western elements??(or marked techniques and tools in western Paleolithic) in the Chinese Paleolithic. Two conclusions were reached in this paper: 1) The Chinese Paleolithic western elements are an objective phenomena that show similar developmental steps and basic characters found in both the East and West; 2) The Chinese Paleolithic western elements show characters of overlap and diachronic patterning as is found in the West. Based on the above conclusions, the authors view the known Paleolithic cultures from Europe, Asia and Africa as the result of bi-directional movements of migration, diffusion, exchange and a blend of early human cultures between West and East as early as two million years ago, which occurred as a response to global environmental changes.

Key words: Paleolithic cultures; Western elements; Diachronic patterning; Evolutionary framework