Subsistence strategies and anthropomorphic soil modification at a Hongshan Culture site in northern China: a multi-proxy archaeological perspective

Qian, Yutong, Ren, Ruibo, Wu, Yunti, Chambers, Frank M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0998-2093, Hu, Chunbai and Niu, Honghao (2026) Subsistence strategies and anthropomorphic soil modification at a Hongshan Culture site in northern China: a multi-proxy archaeological perspective. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 75. art:106034. doi:10.1016/j.jasrep.2026.106034

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Abstract

The Hongshan Culture (ca. 6500–5000 a BP), a representative Neolithic culture of northern China exhibited a complex and diversified subsistence economy. This study analyzes archaeological soil from representative relic units at the Liujialiang site in north-east China, employing phytoliths as the primary proxy and integrating soil grain size, total organic carbon (TOC), and carbon isotope (δ13C) data to investigate human subsistence strategies, plant resource utilization preferences, and the impacts of human activities on soil environments. Our findings suggest that Hongshan communities at the Liujialiang site relied predominantly on gathering, fishing, and hunting, while agricultural practices remained marginal. Phytolith analysis indicates that the assemblage is dominated by herbaceous plants, with Poaceae occupying a central position. Among them, Pooideae constitute the primary plant resource, whereas Panicoideae show enrichment in specific units; when considered alongside relatively enriched δ13C values, this suggests their selective utilization. Differences in anthropogenic soil alteration are observable between relic types, with house remains exhibiting more substantial modification than ash pits. In comparison with natural profiles, human activities contributed to soil coarsening and elevated TOC and phytolith concentrations, indicating intensified plant-derived inputs associated with resource-gathering behaviors.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Multiple proxies; Subsistence strategies; Hongshan Culture; Paleoenvironment; Northern China
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DS Asia G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human geography. Human ecology. Anthropogeography
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education, Health and Sciences
Depositing User:	Rhiannon Goodland
Date Deposited:	16 Sep 2026 08:42
Last Modified:	16 Sep 2026 08:45
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/16523

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