Craft Production and Social Change in Northern China

Abstract

In this study I have argued that the relationship between change in craft production and the development of complex societies is multifaceted, involving several different processes. Three important and relevant processes that should be investigated are the development of social stratification, the development of political centralization, and increase in social heterogeneity. Change in the nature of production and use of prestige goods, relatively labor-intensive items used for special occasions that bring honor and pride to the consumer, can be linked to one or more of these processes. I conclude that craft specialization in China was not a causal factor in the development of political centralization, but it changed in response to the development of social stratification.