为进一步探索广西早期人类的生业经济模式及石器的功能与用途，本文综合运用AMS¹⁴C年代学分析、植硅体分析、碳化大植物遗存浮选及石器形态功能分析等方法，系统考察了广西隆安娅怀洞遗址不同文化层中人类对植物资源的利用策略及其演变过程。研究结果显示，遗址的年代框架可划分为4个阶段，AMS¹⁴C测年数据表明其跨度为43000~4000 BP cal。通过对石器表面残留植硅体的分析，揭示了不同阶段人类对不同类型石器（如研磨器、砍砸器、刮削器等）的功能开发及其在植物加工中的具体应用。 遗址浮选出的碳化植物遗存中鉴定出野生葡萄属果实蘡薁(Vitis bryoniaefolia)，这是华南地区旧石器时代晚期人类利用野生果实的直接证据。综合沉积物植硅体组合、石器微痕分析及大植物遗存的研究表明，该遗址早期人类对植物资源的利用模式存在明显的阶段性变化：在第1~2阶段(43000~21000 BP cal)，人类主要依赖木本植物及禾本科植物；而到了第3阶段(17000~14000 BP cal)及第4阶段(4000 BP cal)，禾本科植物及藤本植物果实（如葡萄属）在人类食谱中的占比显著提升，可能反映了环境变迁或技术革新对生业策略的影响。本研究揭示了旧石器时代晚期至新石器时代早期广西地区从广谱采集向特定植物资源强化利用的过渡过程，为广西地区史前人类植物利用方式提供了关键性实证数据。

This study systematically investigates the subsistence economy patterns of early human populations in Guangxi and the functional applications of stone tools, with a particular focus on Yahuai Cave in Long’an County. Employing an integrated methodological approach that combines chronological analysis, micro-botanical remains examination, and morphological studies, we conduct comprehensive research on both micro-plant remains and carbonized plant remains retrieved from the site. The AMS ¹⁴C dating results establish a chronological framework for Yahuai Cave, spanning approximately from 43,000 to 4,000 calibrated years before present, which can be clearly divided into four cultural phases.

Our phytolith analysis of stone artifacts provides significant insights into how early humans utilized different types of tools in various periods and their preferential selection of plant resources. Notably, carbonized grape seeds obtained through flotation have been taxonomically identified as Vitis bryoniaefolia, a wild grape species within the Vitis genus. The synthetic analysis of phytolith assemblages from both sediment samples and stone tool surfaces, combined with the study of macro-botanical remains, reveals a clear evolutionary trajectory of plant resource utilization strategies.

During Phases 1~2 (43,000~21,000 BP cal), the inhabitants adopted a diversified subsistence strategy involving both woody plants and Poaceae species. The phytolith record provides substantial evidence of the processing of various plant materials, including potential wild rice varieties, using stone implements. A significant transition in subsistence patterns becomes evident in Phase 3 (17,000~14,000 BP cal) and Phase 4 (4,000 BP cal). Our data indicate a marked shift towards greater reliance on herb species and climbing plant fruits. This change in dietary focus is reflected in both the micro-botanical remains and the functional analysis of stone tools, suggesting an adaptation to changing environmental conditions or the development of more specialized processing techniques.

The discovery of carbonized Vitis bryoniaefolia seeds represents the earliest direct evidence of wild grape utilization in the region, offering new insights into Paleolithic foraging behaviors. Moreover, the phytolith analysis of grinding stones and other processing tools reveals distinct use-wear patterns corresponding to different plant taxa, enabling the reconstruction of ancient food preparation methods.

Our findings make several important contributions to the understanding of pre-agricultural economies in southern China. First, we establish a detailed chronology of plant use patterns from the Late Pleistocene to the Middle Holocene periods. Second, we document the technological evolution of stone tools in relation to changing subsistence needs. Third, we provide a comprehensive record of wild plant exploitation strategies in Guangxi prior to the advent of agriculture. The micro-botanical evidence shows that early inhabitants developed sophisticated knowledge of local flora, selectively utilizing various plant resources according to availability and nutritional value. The presence of both woody plant and grass phytoliths in early phases suggests a broad-spectrum foraging strategy, while the later focus on Poaceae and vine fruits indicates a possible intensification of certain food resources.

This research not only fills critical gaps in our understanding of prehistoric subsistence patterns in subtropical China but also establishes a methodological framework for future studies of early human-plant interactions in similar ecological contexts.