Middle-Upper Yellow River Middle Neolithic

expand_more Description

The Middle-Upper Yellow River Middle Neolithic Tradition occurred from 7000-5000 BP. Initially centered on the Loess Plateau, it expanded throughout the middle Yellow River Basin and into the adjacent North China Plain. The people were egalitarian agriculturalists raising millet, pigs, and some chickens; a diet supplemented by hunting, fishing, and some gathering. A two- to three-tiered settlement hierarchy developed in some areas during the middle to late tradition, with increased signs of conflict. Cemeteries show evidence of community-based ancestor cults, and specialists in divination or shamanic rituals.

Identifier

Region

• Asia

Subregion

• East Asia

Subsistence Type

• horticulturalists

Countries

• China