Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology...................................4

Brief Report on the Excavation of H4 at the Cuijiahe Site in Xia County, Shanxi 

Abstract：The Cuijiahe site in Xia County covers an area of at least 500,000 square meters. During the 2021 excavation, structure H4 was uncovered, yielding a large number of relics, all of which belong to the Miaodigou culture from the middle Yangshao period. Among the finds is a vividly decorated painted pottery basin featuring rare fish patterns, providing valuable new material for the study of painted pottery and the Yangshao culture.

School of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, Zhengzhou University, Xi' an Cultural Heritage Protection and Archaeology Institute...................................16 

Brief Report on the Excavation of M144 at Dabaiyangdong Village in the Northern Suburbs of Xi' an 

Abstract：From March to September 2019, the Xi’an Cultural Relics Protection Archaeological Research Institute and the School of History at Zhengzhou University conducted excavations at a site associated with Kerui Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. in Xi’an. Among the findings, tomb M144 was identified as a vertical pit tomb containing accumulated charcoal, and it yielded a wealth of artifacts, including pottery tripods, pottery boxes, pottery jugs, pottery pedestals, cocoon-shaped pots, and jade seals. Based on the tomb’s construction and the characteristics of the artifacts, it is dated to the early Western Han period. This excavation provides valuable new data for understanding Han dynasty society and funerary customs in the Xi'an area during the Western Han period.

Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Shangqiu Museum, Zhecheng County Cultural Center.................................22 

Brief Report on the Excavation of Shaoyuan Han Tomb in Zhecheng, Shangqiu 

Abstract：In 1981, the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics, the Shangqiu Cultural Relics Administration, and the Zhecheng County Cultural Center conducted a rescue excavation of a tomb. The tomb features a brick and stone arched structure, consisting of a tomb passage, tomb door, double front corridors, rear corridor, double front chambers, double rear chambers, and three side chambers. A total of 189 burial artifacts were unearthed, including items made of gold, silver, copper, iron, pottery, jade, amber, crystal, and agate. Based on a seal discovered at the site, the tomb has been identified as the family tomb of Xu Zan, dating to the late Eastern Han Dynasty. This discovery provides valuable material evidence for studying tomb architecture, burial customs, religious beliefs, and the political, economic, and cultural conditions of eastern Henan during the Eastern Han period.

Qu Yumen................................................31 

An Analysis of the Process of Regional Cultural Integration in the Daling River Basin during the Late Hongshan Culture 

Abstract：This study utilizes several stratigraphic sequences from Niuheliang as primary evidence to re-establish the chronology of the late Hongshan period, focusing on the typological analysis of painted ceramic cylinders. It offers a comprehensive examination of the characteristics and combinations of ceramic decorations within Hongshan culture, shedding light on the cultural development of the Daling River basin during this period on a more refined temporal and spatial scale. The research suggests that the process of cultural integration in the Daling River basin, centered around Niuheliang, began in the early phase of the Late Hongshan period. At that time, the cultural tradition characterized by stone platform architecture and ceramic cylinders was initially established in the Niuheliang region, although its influence on surrounding areas was limited. It was not until the middle phase of the Late Hongshan period that this tradition began to spread to nearby regions, ultimately expanding throughout the entire Daling River basin by the late phase of the Late Hongshan period. These findings provide valuable insights into the processes of regional cultural integration and the emergence of civilization in the Daling River basin, with Niuheliang serving as a central hub during the Late Hongshan period.

Zhao Jiangyun.........................................38 

Re-examining the Eastern Cultural Elements in Xinzhai Period Remains 

Abstract：The remains from the Xinzhai Period exhibit numerous Eastern cultural influences, which are evident not only in the forms of pottery and jade artifacts but also in artistic traditions and religious beliefs. Ritual objects such as the yazhang, jade cong, jade yue, and the religious practice of offering jade vessels to Heaven, Earth, Mountains, and Rivers, found in the Xinzhai Period remains, all reflect Eastern cultural traditions. Toward the end of the Longshan period, facing a harsh natural environment and the need to restructure the socio-political order, the Xinzhai Group integrated these Eastern elements to enhance social cohesion, consolidate religious and political power, and establish moral authority. Thus, the upper levels of Xinzhai Period, in terms of political and spiritual life, display a strong Eastern cultural character and foundation.

Zhao Songyuan........................................46 

Resource Domain Survey and Analysis of Late Longshan Sites in the Upper Reaches of the Ying River 

Abstract：Based on field investigations and analysis of over 30 sites from the Late Longshan culture in the upper reaches of the Yinghe River, this paper focuses on two settlement groups centered around Wadian in Yuzhou and Wangchenggang in Dengfeng. The analysis suggests that these two groups represent independent polities, both at a social development stage consistent with complex chiefdoms. The concept of a“valley complex chiefdom”is proposed to describe the characteristics of these settlement groups.

Zhan Xiang...............................................58 

A Study on the Development of the Dog Handler Officials in the Shang Dynasty 

Abstract：This article divides the official system of dog handlers in the Yin-Shang period into three stages: early, middle, and late. It provides a brief overview of the dog handlers in each period, based on categories and eras. The article compiles three tables: a distribution table of dog handler individuals and groups, a distribution table of non-specific dog handler materials by category, and a statistical table of the structure of dog handler titles. The data visually reflects the gradual maturation of the dog handler system: greater emphasis on organizational processes, the emergence of hierarchical awareness, and the delegation of responsibilities to departments rather than individuals. It also demonstrates the progressive institutionalization, systematization, and specialization of the official system. Based on the data, the article conducts both synchronic and diachronic analyses of the evolution of the dog handler system. It argues that early dog handlers differ fundamentally from the nameless dog handlers in oracle bone inscriptions, as the latter’s authority was mostly confined to hunting, exhibiting a clear developmental relationship. Overall, the process reflects a system operating within rules. In conclusion, by the late Yin-Shang period, the dog handler system had developed into a relatively tight and mature organization. It can be inferred that the broader Yin-Shang official system had likely evolved from a people-centered structure to one with clear rules and frameworks.

Liu Zunzhi...................................................66 

A Discussion on the Carriages and Horses in the Funerary Practices of Western Han Dynasty Marquises

Abstract：During the Western Han period, there were a considerable number of marquis tombs that featured vehicles and horses as burial accompaniments. The placement of these accompaniments varied, involving multiple aspects such as within and outside the burial mound, the tomb passage and corridors, as well as the burial chamber itself. The methods of accompaniment ranged from simple to elaborate, exhibiting characteristics of both independent and combined usage. The burial contents included actual vehicles and horses, a variety of related tools, along with figurines and other associated materials. However, there were differences in content and quantity across different tombs, reflecting diversity while also highlighting the rarity of actual vehicles and horses, and the increasing prominence of models or symbolic accompaniments and ritual vessels. Additionally, there were Western Han marquis tombs without vehicles or horses, influenced by factors such as the era, region, burial needs, and the unique circumstances of the deceased. Overall, the inclusion of vehicles and horses in Western Han marquis tombs reflects the developmental aspects related to the tomb owner and the level of the burial, demonstrating flexibility within diversity, and illuminating the rich meanings and connotations associated with vehicle and horse accompaniments in the Han dynasty.