The Longshan Period

Abstract

This chapter assesses changes in consumption and production of ceramics from mortuary and habitation contexts at Longshan sites, c. 2600–1900 B.C. First, it considers consumption patterns for ceramics in two cemeteries located in the western Shandong area of the lower Yellow River valley, Dafanzhuang and Yinjiacheng. In addition there is some information available for ceramics in unusually rich burials at the Zhufeng site (see Figure 2.3). Then the nature of ceramic production over time in western Shandong is inferred. Next the chapter assesses ceramics from two cemeteries in the eastern Shandong area, Chengzi and Sanlihe. Burial data in the central Yellow River valley are especially limited, but four sites can be briefly considered: Dahecun, Dongxiafeng, Xiajincun, and Taosi. Although there are fewer published reports for Longshan cemeteries from any area in comparison to the Dawenkou period, it is possible to infer some changes in consumption and production patterns over time.