article

Burials, pigs, and political prestige in neolithic China

Current anthropology • 35 (2) • Published In 1994 • Pages: 119-141

By: Kim, Seung-Og.

Abstract

In this study Kim examines the distribution of pig bones in Chinese neolithic (Dawenkou and Longshan Cultures) burials, and argues its relationship with wealth and status. In the ethnographic literature on chiefdoms and Melanesian tribal socieities, the successful management and control of pig herds was a route to political power. Pigs are a prestige animal which could also be exchanged for more prestigeous goods that formed the basis of political authority. Kim's thesis is that the same material and political processes occurred in the North China Neolithic. He demonstrates it by showing the correlation between pig bones and other high status markers in Neolithic burials of Shandong Province.

Region

Asia

Sub Region

East Asia

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Notes

by Seung-Og Kim

Includes bibliographical references (p. 139-141)

LCCN

a 63000576

LCSH

China--Antiquities