Abstract: A cluster of early modern human(EMH) skull fragments, dated between 100—80 ka was recovered along with a large quality of mammalian fossil remains and artifacts during recent excavations at the Lingjing site near Xuchang, Henan Province. The present study was based on the animal bones unearthed from this site in 2005 and 2006. About 13% of the bones bore clear evidence of cut marks with cut-marked midshaft specimens numbering 98.45%. With respect to the total number of cut-marked long bone fragments, upper and intermediate limb bones showed a greater representation of cut-marked specimens(34% and 41%) than did lower(25%) limbs. Evidence of percussion marks, burning marks and use-wear accounted for 4.2%, 1% and 1.32%, respectively. As well, the large number of fragmented bones at the site may be related to marrow-extracting behaviors of these ancient people. Through careful observation, statistical analyses, and comparison to experimental samples and other archaeological sites, we are confident that early humans were the agent most probably responsible for the accumulation of these animal remains.

Key words: Lingjing; Taphonomy; Bone surface modification; Cut marks; Percussion marks