Abstract: Both of the Nanshan and the Qihedong are Neolithic sites in western Fujian Province of Southeast China, from which human remains were discovered with cultural remains such as lithic artifacts, bone artifacts, potteries and the like. Human teeth from these two sites were processed for plant residues extraction in the Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Based on their morphological attributes, the plant starch grains identified could be classified into four types: 1) polyhedral grain; 2) oval or rounded grain; 3) coniform grain; and 4) water drop-shaped grain. These grains are considered to be from seeds of Poaceae plants, roots and tubers, and probably nuts. Based on the starch evidence, a transitional subsistence strategy from early to middle Holocene is discussed. Although early cultivation had already emerged in this area, wild plant food still played a very important role in the daily diet.

Key words: Homo sapiens; Dental calculus; Residues; Ancient diet