Abstract:

This paper presents a detailed technological analysis of the lithic assemblage recovered from the 1990 excavation at Locality 1 of the Banjingzi site, Nihewan Basin, dated to 90-80 ka. Based on the examination of 2535 artifacts, this study investigates raw material utilization, core reduction strategies, debitage characteristics, and tool typology to characterize the technological behaviors of early Late Pleistocene hominins in northern China.

The assemblage demonstrates a highly selective raw material economy, overwhelmingly dominated by chert sourced from the local Zhoujiashan area (94.64% of all artifacts). This indicates a focused exploitation strategy targeting the most suitable lithic resource available in the immediate landscape, with minimal use of other raw material types like dolomite, quartz. Core reduction was primarily based on simple and expedient strategies, utilizing small chert blocks and fragments. A distinctive technical feature is the common practice of localized, longitudinal trimming of core platforms. In addition to this dominant approach, a small but consistent presence of discoid cores (6% of total cores) signifies the application of a more structured, centripetal flaking method. The resulting debitage consists predominantly of small, wide-thin flakes, about 92.8% of which have a length of less than 40 mm. Although 10 longer flakes were produced—often by exploiting natural ridges on core surfaces—there is no evidence for systematic blade production. The formal tool component is substantial and typologically diverse. Scrapers of various forms (e.g. side scrapers, double scrapers, convergent scrapers, and transversal scrapers) constitute the dominant group, accompanied by notable frequencies of notches, borers, and denticulates, etc. A defining characteristic is the manufacture of “steep-edged” tools, primarily over 65 specimens of scrapers, which were produced through intensive, invasive retouch on thick blanks. This resulted in durable working edges with steep angles (commonly 60°~90°), suggesting a deliberate design for heavy-duty processing activities. Evidence of limited tool resharpening flakes and the strategic selection of blanks with natural backs further reflects planned technological behaviors related to tool maintenance and prehension.

The Banjingzi assemblage provides a well-dated and analytically robust benchmark for the early Late Pleistocene in northern China. While the industry aligns with the broader regional small flake-tool tradition, it exhibits distinct local technological signatures, including specific core platform management, the low-frequency but persistent use of discoid technology, and the standardized production of steep-edged tools. These features illustrate adaptive complexity and regional innovation, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of technological variability and hominin behavioral adaptations during this key transitional period in East Asia.

Key words: Banjingzi site, Nihewan basin, discoid cores, early Late Pleistocene, small flake-tool assemblage