Abstract:

The Pre-Shang culture of ancient northern China(4000-3600 BP) is not well known, though it is root of the famous early Chinese dynasty- the Shang dynasty (3600-3046 BP cal) and agriculture, walled cities as well as other significant aspects of the Shang culture appeared or were significantly intensified during this period. In particular, little is known about the economy and subsistence practices during this period. The Pre-Shang deposits are dominant in the Zhangdeng site of Henan Province, northern China. Moreover, these deposits have been classified as the Zhanghe variant, which is considered the mainbody of the Pre-Shang culture. We present here archaeobotanical data from the Pre-Shang Zhangdeng site (3750-3600 BP cal). Our results indicate a strong reliance on foxtail millet (Setaria italica (Linn.) P. Beauv.) with minor components of common millet (Panicum miliaceum Linn.). Other domesticated species (wheat and soybean) were also consumed. The material recovered from the Zhangdeng site provides the first evidence confirming the expected patterns for the use of early domesticates in the Pre-Shang culture. Originating from central Hebei Province, the Pre-Shang people have undergone a transition of the subsistence strategy from living basically a nomadic life to adopting agriculture of the central plains in the southward migration, which probably has facilitated the development of the Shang tribe greatly.

Key words: Archaeobotany, Macroremains, the Pre-Shang Culture, Agriculture