Abstract: Recent excavations at Shangshan and Xiaohuangshan (11, 400-8000 cal BP) in Zhejiang Province have revealed the earliest evidence for the emergence of sedentary villages in the Lower Yangzi River region. Both sites yielded abundant grinding stones but few organic remains. A pilot study of seven stone tools was undertaken to determine the potential of these artefacts for studies of subsistence economy and tool function by analysing starch, phytolith and mineral residues. Starch grains consistent with acorns, tubers, Job’s tears and possibly water caltrop were found, but rice was absent. Phytolith densities for rice leaves and stems were high, but low for rice husks. Mineral studies indicate that the residues derived from tool use and the adjacent soil matrix. The results suggest that these grinding stones were used to process starch- rich plants for food and probably fibre additives for making pottery vessels. It is proposed that the intensive exploitation of plants rich in starch and suitable for long term storage, particularly acorns, characterised gathering strategies in the subsistence economy of the early Holocene in the Lower Yangzi River. This study shows the great potential of starch and phytolith analyses in reconstruction of ancient lifeways. More research on the residue materials from these sites will help us to better understand the transition to sedentary Neolithic farming villages in this region.

Key words: Grinding stone; Starch; Phytolith; Acorn; Lower Yangzi River