Abstract:

The lithic technology of the Middle Paleolithic in East Asia has traditionally been regarded as primarily characterized by simple choppers and core-flake industries, with limited evidence of complexity and innovations. Recent archaeological discoveries and research findings have increasingly challenged this perspective. Based on the latest research progress on the Guanyindong cave site, this paper systematically reviews and summarizes the key characteristics of its lithic industry. The study reveals that between 180000 and 80000 years ago, hominins at Guanyindong employed diverse flaking strategies and demonstrated proficient tool retouch techniques.

Flakes are mostly knapped by unifacial detachments. Other core reduction systems include Levallois concept, discoidal production, volumetric exploitation, and core-on-flakes, etc. The Levallois assemblage comprises 11 cores, 30 flakes, and 4 retouched flakes. Both preferential and recurrent knapping approaches were employed in the production of oriented flakes. The primary method used to maintain the convexity of the upper surface is centripetal, supplemented by bidirectional, unidirectional, and convergent configurations. Coefficients of variation calculated for Levallois flakes and other flakes indicates that Levallois flakes exhibit a higher degree of uniformity. Core-on-flakes are commonly found at the Guanyindong site. The reduction strategy is predominantly similar to unifacial detachments, although truncated-faceted pieces and the Kombewa method are also present. A total of 10 discoidal cores were identified, which can be classified into bifacial and unifacial types based on the number of exploited surfaces. At Guanyindong, most of these cores were unifacially detached. Volumetric exploitation cores appear in small quantities (n=12) as well. This reduction strategy focuses on the narrow frontal face of the core, resulting in elongated products. Retouched pieces constitute a significant portion of the assemblage (n=999, 45%), primarily made on flakes. The tool types are diverse, including scrapers, denticulates, borers, and notches. Most tools display two or more retouched edges with steep edge angles, indicating a high frequency of recycling or resharpening. A dual pattern of curation is evident, consisting of both simple and elaborate forms. The elaborated tools include elongated-pointed pieces, tanged points, end-scrapers with parallel removals, standardized denticulates and borers. Additionally, 70 specimens exhibit Quina retouch. These Quina retouches may result from either intentional modification or repeated resharpening during the tool’s use-life. A potential Quina exploitation system may be discernible across multiple aspects, although further investigation is required for confirmation.

These technological features demonstrate a level of complexity comparable to Middle Paleolithic /Middle Stone Age sites in Western Eurasia and Africa, providing crucial evidence for reassessing the position of East Asian Middle Paleolithic industries within the global framework of lithic technological systems.

Key words: Guanyindong, Southwest China, Middle Palaeolithic, Levallois, core reduction