A woman buried in China in the Middle Neolithic era

The Middle Neolithic period in the West Liao River region of China is a fascinating and significant era in the study of ancient Chinese civilization. This period, roughly dating from 5000 to 3000 BCE, is pivotal for understanding the development of early agricultural societies in Northeast China. The culture associated with this era is often referred to as the Hongshan culture, which is renowned for its sophisticated social structures, religious practices, art, and architecture.

Geographic and Environmental Context

The West Liao River area is located in what is now the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Liaoning Province. The region's fertile river valley and its temperate climate provided an ideal environment for early agriculture. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and grasslands, with access to freshwater, which supported the cultivation of millet and other crops as well as animal husbandry, including the raising of pigs, cattle, and sheep.

Society and Social Structure

The society of the Middle Neolithic West Liao River area was likely organized into complex and stratified communities. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of highly organized settlements with clear hierarchical structures. Certain sites, such as Niuheliang, indicate that these societies had leaders or elites who played significant roles in societal governance and religious activities. The presence of large ceremonial complexes and elaborate burials with jade artifacts suggests a society with social differentiation and possibly early forms of social stratification.

Religion and Rituals

Religion played a central role in the Hongshan culture, as evidenced by the extraordinary ceremonial structures found in the region. The discovery of the Niuheliang site, often considered a spiritual and ritualistic center, offers profound insights into their religious practices. The site features an altar, a temple platform, and numerous tombs, suggesting it was a place of significant ritualistic and ceremonial importance. Jade artifacts, particularly those representing dragons and pig-dragons (a hybrid of a pig and a dragon), are prevalent and indicate their symbolism in spiritual or religious beliefs.

Art and Artifacts

The Hongshan culture is particularly noted for its sophisticated jade carving. The people of this era exhibited exquisite craftsmanship in creating jade objects, which held not only aesthetic value but also religious significance. Items such as cong (cylindrical tubes), bi discs (flat circular pieces), and statuettes reflect high levels of artistic expression and technical skill. These artifacts were not just decorative but were likely used in religious ceremonies or as indicators of status and identity.

Architecture

Architectural remains from this period demonstrate advanced construction techniques and an understanding of spatial organization. Settlements typically featured semi-subterranean houses with wooden beams and mud walls plastered with clay. The construction of large-scale ceremonial structures like those at Niuheliang required considerable social organization and cooperation, indicating the presence of complex societal planning and resource allocation.

Economy and Subsistence

The economy of the Middle Neolithic West Liao River area was primarily based on agriculture, with millet being a staple crop. The people also engaged in hunting, fishing, and gathering to supplement their diet. The domestication of animals played a crucial role in their economy, providing meat, milk, and labor for agricultural activities. Pottery from this era, often decorated with geometric patterns, was used for storage and cooking, showing the integration of agriculture and domestic life.

Legacy and Influence

The cultural developments of the Middle Neolithic West Liao River area had lasting impacts on subsequent Chinese civilizations. The religious practices, social structures, and artistic styles from this period can be seen as precursors to later Chinese dynastic traditions. The emphasis on jade, for instance, continued throughout Chinese history, remaining a significant symbol of purity, power, and status.

In summary, the Middle Neolithic West Liao River era represents a period of profound cultural innovation and social development in early Chinese civilization. Its people left a lasting legacy through their advancements in social organization, religious practices, art, and architecture, contributing to the rich tapestry of Chinese history.