article
Mortuary ritual and social hierarchy in the Longshan culture
Early China • 21 • Published In 1996 • Pages: 1-46
By: Liu, Li.
Abstract
Through analysis of the findings from four Longshan cemeteries, this document examines how burial patterns reflect social stratification, kinship relationships, and spatial organization. Burials are ranked according to number and kind of artifacts (such as jade objects, eggshell goblets, and alligator drums), size of grave, and type of coffin. Ritual activities—especially ones that indicate graveside rites and ancestor worship—are discussed, along with regional and interregional exchange of high-status goods. The author also compares changes before and after Longshan, from the Yangshao phase to the Shang Dynasty.
- Region
- Asia
- Sub Region
- East Asia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Archaeologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- Analyst
- Sarah Berry; 2019
- Field Date
- not applicable
- Coverage Date
- 5000-4000 BP
- Coverage Place
- middle and lower Yellow River Valley, Shanxi and Shandong, China
- Notes
- Li Liu
- Includes bibliographical references
- LCCN
- 76644205
- LCSH
- Longshan culture