QU Tongli et al. .....................................................................................................71

On the site formation process of the Laonainaimiao site in Zhengzhou

Abstract：Laonainaimiao is an open-air site of late Pleistocene. It is composed of multiple horizons of deposits with abundant lithics and fauna remains. This paper attempts to analyze the site formation process and provides insights on the environmental context and function of the site. The analysis shows that the deposits of layer 4 and layer 3 formed in different environments and processes. There was a stable floodplain from the period of 3F to at least the period of layer 3B, which allowed repeated human occupations at this location. The taphonomic characteristics of lithics and animal bones suggest that they were deposited as a result of human activities, and they were generally well-preserved in situ. However, the deposits were disturbed or modified at a limited degree in the post-depositional process, as seen in the preservation of ash and bones.

ZHAI Shaodong...................................................................................................80

The region of the Southern Shanxi to the Mount Song around 2000 BC in the View of Lithic Objects

Abstract：By comparing lithic assemblages from various sites dating to the Miaodigou phase II through the Erlitou culture in the region of southern Shanxi to Mount Song, this paper aims at exploring the relationship between lithic assemblages and the settlement hierarchy as well as the social appearance reflected by them. It is suggested that changes of lithic assemblage characteristics are closely related to the nature of site during this period. Characteristics of lithic assemblages do not change basically as the nature of site maintains the same. There is a correlation between characteristics of lithic assemblages and settlement hierarchy. Sites of the same hierarchy generally show similar characteristics of lithic assemblages. Sites with various functions always exhibit different characteristics of lithic assemblages. The unparalleled amount of arrowheads found in the Dongxiafeng site is probably related to the site location and its relationship to the Erlitou site, besides its role in prestige goods production.

JIANG Wan and TIAN Wei................................................................................89

A Study on the Distribution Range of Hedong Salt Ponds from the Longshan to Erligang Cultural Period

Abstract：The Hedong Salt Pond is the largest salt producing area in the Central Plains, while salt makes an important strategic resource that supported the formation and development of Chinese civilization. There is a lack of research on the early history of the Hedong Salt Pond. For example, the distribution range of the early Salt Pond is still unclear. The authors comprehensively analyze three factors, namely the elevation of the Salt Pond, the correlation between the Salt Pond and freshwater system, as well as the level and time cost among the archaeological sites and the Salt Pond and freshwater water system, in order to draw the approximate distribution range of the Salt Pond in the Xia and Shang Dynasties.

GAO Xisheng..........................................................................................................96

On the suspended bells from Yejiashan of the early Western Zhou Dynasty and its related question

Abstract：According to archaeological discoveries and research, suspended bells had become systematic by the middle and late Western Zhou. However, how suspended bells were employed in the early Western Zhou was ambiguous.The author investigates the suspended bells unearthed from burial M111 in the Yejiashan cemetery of Hubei, and argues the burial should be dated to the time from King Cheng to early King Kang. The set made the earliest suspended bells of the early Western Zhou. The set shows the employment of the second tone and a comparatively excellent casting technique. They may have been cast in the Wei River valley.

YU Yongbin et al. ................................................................................................107

A scientific analysis of the Late-Shang-Dynasty bronze from the Yejiashan cemetery

Abstract：Most of the late Shang bronzes in Yejiashan have family inscriptions, which are of great research value to the circulation of bronzes in the late Shang Dynasty, the utilization of bronze mineral materials in the late Shang and early Zhou Dynasties, and the "division" system of bronzes in the early Western Zhou Dynasty. The results show that these vessels have two kinds of microstructure: casting and post-casting heat. The main alloy types are lead-tin bronze, with a small amount of tin bronze and lead-bronze. Some of the copper and lead materials used in the objects are the same as those used in Zengguo bronzes and Yinxu IV bronzes, indicating that some of the minerals developed and used in the late Shang Dynasty were still in use in the early Western Zhou period. However, tin was a scarce source in the late Shang Dynasty. The tin supply of Zengguo copper vessels was sufficient in the early Western Zhou period. Whether it has been exploited in the late Shang period and later controlled by the Zhou, or the Zhou newly developed tin materials, needs to be studied.

LIU Zunzhi..............................................................................................................115

On the burial M1 of the Eastern Han Dynasty at Liulou, Suining

Abstract：The Liulou Eastern Han burial M1 in Suining County, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province was a brick-constructed tomb of the early Eastern Han Dynasty. According to the overall structure, the tomb was a horizontal pit burial composed of a grave mound, a tomb passage, a long tomb aisle with two symmetrical ear chambers, a front chamber and a rear chamber. One of its characteristics was that the western part of the front chamber was relatively large. According to the tomb shape, the human remains in the tomb and the unearthed jade burial suit, an adult vassal, his wife and their child, or a couple of the vassal level together with a child of the same family may have been buried in the tomb. The analysis of the Liulou Eastern Han tomb M1 not only could contribute to a better understanding of the nature of the tomb as well as its related cemetery, but also is valuable for a comprehensive study of the vassal tombs as well as family burials of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

SHI Jiayi..................................................................................................................122

On the spatial character of bronze mirrors in burials and their function

Abstract：Different space endows artifacts with different symbolism. Mirrors in the mortuary space have multiple functions, besides reflecting one’s look. Through a comparative study of mirrors chronologically from different regions, it is evident that its spatial character became strengthened. The burials mirrors could have been a substitute of jade bi, together with rich symbolism. Burial mirrors and the related spacial function transmitted oversea, which were localized in various countries.

HAN Jianhua and LI Zhipeng...........................................................................130

An archaeological investigation of animal sacrifice in the Xuewei No. burial

Abstract：Animal sacrifice makes an important phenomenon in archaeology, which reflects status and wealth of the tomb occupant. Due to the special landscape and environment of pastoral life, animal offering and sacrifice in burial became an important custom, as well as a reflection of cosmology and belief. The author, by analyzing the animal sacrifice phenomenon in the Xuewei burial No. 1 of the Reshui cemetery, concludes the features and significance of the animal-sacrifice custom. By investigating the similarity and cultural diversity reflected in the sacrificial animals in the Reshui cemetery, the author points out the convergence of pastoral peoples out of interactions, while their mortuary custom maintained the original characteristic.

XIA Yanping and PEI Yu....................................................................................137

A preliminary study of horse sacrifice in the tomb passages of the Tang Dynasty in Ganqing

Abstract：The phenomenon of sacrificing horses in the tomb passage during the Tang Dynasty in Ganqing area is relatively rare. It could be divided into two categories, which lasted from the middle and late 7th century to the end of 9th century.The authors argue that sacrificing horses in tomb passages makes an important criteria to identify the Tuyuhun people in the Tang Dynasty. The correlation in the Ganqing area might indicate a traditional custom of the Tuyuhun people, while the difference should be related to different choices made by the Tuyuhun people in variant natural environments, cultural traditions and historical backgrounds in Ganqing. According to statuses reflected in epitaph, seals, and mortuary hierarchy, the number of horses in each sacrificial activity basically corresponds to the identity and rank of tomb occupants, with no obvious gender connection. As for the origin of the horse-sacrificing custom in the cemetery, it is possible that the Tuyuhun people, on the basis of their old customs, were influenced by the custom of whole-horse sacrifice in Tubo.