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An overview of human nasal morphology LI Haijun, YAO Xuechun, WENG Minjie, YANG Xiaoyu Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (04): 687-700.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0041 Abstract （1182）   HTML （104）    PDF（pc） （1229KB）（2499）       Knowledge map    Save The nose, as a key point of human facial morphology, exhibits distinctive features for individual appearance and possesses vital physiological functions simultaneously. Specifically, the size and shape of the nose, as well as the proportional relationship between the nose and the face, are crucial factors in facial aesthetics. Moreover, it is also one of the important indicators of ethnographic classification in some studies. Additionally, the nose plays a very significant role during human breathing as it can guide the airflow, alter the airflow resistance, regulate the body’s water loss, and maintain the heat balance. Current research on nasal morphological variation, both domestic and international, mainly encompasses the following various aspects of nasal morphology: 1) Sex- and age-related differences in nasal morphological variation. Generally, males have larger noses than females, especially in terms of nose width, length, and height. However, nasal angle measurements of men, such as the nasofrontal angle, nasal tip angle, nasolabial angle, and alar slope angle, are smaller than those of women. The distribution of nostril shape also varies significantly between men and women. Regarding age difference, there is a critical period for nose growth in adolescence, approximately from age 9 to 14. 2) Nasal morphological differences of the human nose among various ethnic groups. One of the most notable distinctions is the nostril shape. Essentially, Caucasian people have leptorrhine nostril shape, with larger nose height and smaller width; African people have platyrrhine shape, with smaller nose height and larger width; while Asians have mesorrhine shape with medium nose height and width. 3) Factors that affect nasal morphological variation, such as the head size, climate and environment, genetic factors and inheritance, and so forth; 4) Measurement of nasal morphological parameters, including facial landmarks and measurement methodology, both traditional and developed methods. 5) Related applications of nasal morphology, including those in the fields of disease diagnosis, medical orthopedics, personal identification, forensic investigation, and so on.===By summarizing and understanding the research data and conclusions of related existing literature, this paper provides a brief overview of the nasal morphology-related studies and methods of the measurement of nasal morphology. Firstly, it describes the nasal morphological variation between men and women. Secondly, it demonstrates the nose growth difference during different age periods. Thirdly, it compares the nasal morphological differences among ethnicities. Fourthly, it emulates multiple factors that may affect nasal morphology. Fifthly, it introduces the basic nasal morphological parameters and methods. Finally, it gives a review and prospect of the domestic research on nasal morphology. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Discovery, cognition and theoretical exploration of the human evolution studies in China since the begining of 21st century LIU Wu Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (06): 881-899.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0085 Abstract （1345）   HTML （291）    PDF（pc） （603KB）（1770）       Knowledge map    Save Starting in the early 20th century, the human evolution studies in China have experienced more than one hundred years. Since beginning of the 21st century, impressive advances have been achieved on the human evolution studies in China. Except for discovering abundant hominin fossils, a series of field work and lab studies have been conducted in Paleolithic archaeology, chronology, and ancient DNA and protein, which indicate the human evolution studies in China have become a wide range of multidisciplinary research. Among these advances, the discoveries of hominin fossils and related studies in the past twenty years are most important, which mainly touched the issues of modern human origin and late Middle Pleistocene hominin evolution in East Asia. The discovery of Late Pleistocene hominin fossils in Tianyuandong with AMS 14C dating put the emergence of early modern human in East Asia 40 kaBP which made the studies of modern human origin in China under more accurate dating frame. The subsequent hominin fossil discoveries from Huanglongdong, Zhirendong, Lunadong and Daoxian from the Late Pleistocene further made the appearing time of the modern humans in China as early as 80 to 120 kaBP. Since 21st century, the discoveries of the late Middle Pleistocene hominin fossils from Penghu, Xuchang, Hualongdong, Xiahe and Harbin greatly enrich the hominin fossil records in China and provide important information for the research into human evolution in East Asia. During this period, studies on these newly discovered and other late Middle Pleistocene hominin fossils including Dali, Jinniushan, Xujiayao, Maba and Tongzi have been conducted with most impressive finding that the fossil morphology and evolutionary patterns of the late Middle Pleistocene hominins exhibit very complicated diversities. The morphologies of these fossils are characterized by both derived and archaic features. Some of the fossils exhibit similar or even the same morphological features as in modern humans but others still keep more archaic features. Such a finding suggests the transition from archaic to modern morphology occurred as early as 300 kaBP or emergence of modern humans in China may be much earlier than previously believed. The late Middle Pleistocene hominins living in different regions of China do not have the equal contribution to the formation of modern humans. Simply classifying all the hominins of this time period into archaic Homo sapiens cannot accurately reflect the evolutionary patterns of late Middle Pleistocene hominins in China. As the research of multidisciplinary approaches, the studies of different fields in human evolution have also been conducted in the past twenty years. The present author believes that four studies represent the most important advances in Paleolithic archaeology in China. These studies touched the issues of Middle Pleistocene Acheulean-like stone technology in China, the earliest human occupation in Tibetan Plateau by 40 kaBP to 30 kaBP, the late Middle Pleistocene Levallois stone-tool technology in China and modern human behaviors of ochre processing and tool use in China 40 kaBP. The dating the hominin fossil on the stone tool sites of Xiaochangliang and Majuangou in Nihewan Basin, Shangchen in Lantian updated the opinion of the earliest time for hominin arrival to Northeast Asia and East Asia 1.66 MaBP and 2.13 MaBP respectively. The studies on fossil taphonomy, ancient DNA and ancient protein have also been carried out. A series of new discoveries and understanding have been achieved from these works, and academic explorations on some key issues on the human evolution in China have also been discussed. In this paper, centered on the hominin fossil discovery and research, important advances on the human evolution in China are reviewed and key issues discussed. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Review and perspective of the ninety years in quest of Gigantopithecus blacki ZHANG Yingqi Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (06): 1006-1026.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0094 Abstract （921）   HTML （81）    PDF（pc） （681KB）（1388）       Knowledge map    Save It’s been 90 years since the initial discovery of Gigantopithecus blacki, however, the hypodigm is still limited to 4 incomplete lower jaws and nearly 2000 isolated teeth recovered from 19 karst cave sites. Scientists have investigated various aspects of this giant ape including phylogeny, evolutionary trends, body mass and stature, ecology, diet, extinction, etc. based on the fossil material and the geological information of these sites. As a result, the mystery surrounding this hominid has been unveiled to the fullest possible extent. Although the current consensus takes G. blacki as a terminal member of the Sivapithecus-Indopithecus clade in Ponginae, it still needs to be tested by stronger fossil evidence such as the cranial or facial morphology. It has been inferred that G. blacki should be a ground-dwelling quadruped based on its body mass and stature. This also needs to be tested by the postcranial morphology, especially that of the limb bones. The early studies of G. blackiinvolved Peking Man in many ways. It was even considered as the direct ancestor of the human lineage by Weidenreichi. To commemorate the 95th anniversary of the discovery of the first skullcap of Peking Man, the research history as well as the known and the unknown of G. blacki is systematically reviewed in this paper. Moreover, prospect of addressing related problems that recently emerge in the quest of G. blackiis discussed, such as the identity of the “mystery ape”, the Pliocene gap lying in the fossil record of southern China. These issues are critical to understand the potential early Homo’s migration into China. It is worth mentioning that the academic community still considered Asia as the cradle of humankind until 1980s. It was the discovery of so many Pliocene to Early Pleistocene Australopithecus and early Homofossils in Africa since 1950s that led to the paradigm shift concerning where the hominin clade first arose. Unfortunately, the “mystery ape” from the karst region of southern China is still mysterious. We don’t know whether it should be placed on the pongine side or the hominin side of the family tree of great apes based on the current fossil evidence. And in marked contrast to the abundant late Pliocene fossils of australopiths in Africa, the Pliocene fossil record of mammals, especially that of hominids, is completely blank. Although most of the karst region in southern China has not been systematically surveyed yet, recent fieldwork in Guangxi and the Three Gorges region has shown considerable potential to address these issues. It is expected that groundbreaking discoveries can be made in southern China in the future, and therefore not only better fossil material for G. blacki and the “mystery ape” can be recovered, but also Chinese or even Asian elements can be contributed to the paradigm concerning the evolution of early Homo. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Analysis methods on Paleolithic age archaeological remains of ochre using XU Jingwen, HUAN Faxiang, YANG Shixia Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (02): 331-343.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2023.0061 Abstract （939）   HTML （86）    PDF（pc） （2023KB）（1353）       Knowledge map    Save Ochre is one of the most common mineral pigments in archaeological studies. The current archaeological evidence suggests that the use of ochre became more common since 100 ka years ago, which was important for human adaptation to the more drastic environmental changes and the continuous interaction of social culture network. Recently, more and more archaeological remains related to ochre-using have been unearthed and identified in China, however, the research work needs to be further developed. Therefore, how to make comprehensive use of various test schemes to deeply explore the development pattern and ethnological significance of human behavior indicated by the ochre pigment needs us to make a systematic summary. In this paper, referring to the international studies in the fields of archaeology, geophysics and chemistry, ethnology and so on, we concluded the main parts of paleolithic age archaeological ochre analysis asthe qualitative chemical composition, analysis of provenance, and operational technology. The multidisciplinary comprehensive analysis on archaeological remains of ochre using is a potential research field, hitherto, the examples of domestic ochre using is still limited. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Morphology and influencing factors of Chinese foot binding bones LI Haijun, YANG Xiaoyu, XIAO Xiaoyong Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (03): 488-501.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0027 Abstract （1752）   HTML （254）    PDF（pc） （7320KB）（1273）       Knowledge map    Save Foot is an important organ that supports human movement and its shape is influenced by factors such as age, gender, movement patterns, and some specific cultural practices. Foot-binding, as a kind of artificial foot deformation behavior unique to the ancient feudal society of China, has continued for a long time in the history of China, reflecting the social life and status of women in ancient times. Studies of variation in foot morphology due to foot-binding mainly include the followings below: Skeletal variation in foot-binding, changing times, geographical differences and pathological phenomena caused by foot-binding, and the influence of age, duration, and sociocultural factors on skeletal morphological variation in foot-binding. Foot-binding has caused great harm to women's physical and mental health, but as a historical and social phenomenon, it reflects the cultural, aesthetic and ethical concepts as well as changes in the status of women in ancient Chinese society. In the field of medicine, analysing the pathologies caused by footbinding can improve the study of bone and joint disorders of the foot and reveal the impact of footbinding on women’s health and quality of life. In the field of history, the study of footbinding is conducive to restoring the history of women’s footbinding and women’s life in ancient China, which can further reveal the picture of the life of the whole ancient society. In the field of archaeology, knowledge of the morphological characteristics of entangled foot bones facilitates the study of skeletal and gender archaeology Overall, this article provides a brief overview of foot-binding research and the measurement of relevant parameters of the foot skeleton by reviewing and summing up data and findings from the relevant literature. And it also provides a brief review and outlook on domestic foot-binding research. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A study overview on tooth wear in ancient populations LI Haijun, ZENG Yuxin, ADILIJIANG Waili, NUERMAIMAITI Kadier, ZHANG Hailong, LI Wenying Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (02): 333-351.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0081 Abstract （1079）   HTML （60）    PDF（pc） （9126KB）（1207）       Knowledge map    Save Tooth wear is closely related to human subsistence activities and is a common physiological phenomenon observed on human remains excavated from archaeological sites. It possesses significant research value in fields such as physical anthropology and archaeology. Currently, numerous scholars both at home and abroad have conducted research on tooth wear in ancient populations, yielding a wealth of findings. However, a systematic review is still lacking. This paper reviews and summarizes the common types and influencing factors of tooth wear in ancient inhabitants based on relevant research results from both domestic and international sources. Macroscopically, tooth wear can present morphologically as flat, oblique, rounded, spoon-shaped, cup-shaped, and groove wear. Microscopically, it can be further classified into striations and pits. Factors influencing tooth wear include age, food structure, food processing techniques, socioeconomic types, and specific human behavioral patterns that may lead to distinctive wear phenomena. Moreover, factors such as chewing methods, chewing frequency, occlusal relationships between the upper and lower jaws, and the developmental status of teeth also affect tooth wear to a certain extent. Research on tooth wear can be applied to infer the individual age at death, explore the dietary structure and socioeconomic patterns of ancient populations, elucidate ancient labor behaviors and social division of labor, reconstruct the patterns of weaning and feeding in children, as well as the functional restoration of occlusal relationships between the upper and lower dental arches. Based on differences in research purposes and subjects, the academic community has proposed specialized observation methods and grading standards for evaluating the degree of tooth wear. Nevertheless, there is currently no unified grading method or standard for tooth wear. Overall, exploring the dietary conditions and subsistence patterns of ancient populations from different archaeological sites in China through tooth wear is a major research focus of ancient human tooth wear studies in China. Significant research achievements have revealed the dietary conditions and subsistence patterns of populations from various archaeological sites. In terms of time, these sites are mainly concentrated from the Neolithic Age to the early Iron Age. Geographically, research on tooth wear in ancient Chinese populations is mainly distributed in the Central Plains and the northwestern border regions of China, with relatively fewer studies in the southern regions. Compared with international research, domestic studies on ancient human tooth wear still face limitations such as narrow research perspectives, lack diversity in research focus and homogeneous content. Future research could benefit from innovations in research fields, ideas, and methods to fill the gaps and achieve further progress. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Human adaptive behaviors during the Middle Pleistocene Climatic Transition in the Nihewan Basin PEI Shuwen, XU Zhe, YE Zhi, MA Dongdong, JIA Zhenxiu Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (01): 19-39.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2023.0076 Abstract （901）   HTML （116）    PDF（pc） （6277KB）（1158）       Knowledge map    Save The relationship between hominin evolution, technological developments, and environmental change has always been at the frontier of academic attention. The mid-Pleistocene Climate Transition (MPT) where the cycle, frequency and amplitude of climate change alters, occurred between 1.25 and 0.7 MaBP. This critical period promoted an initial migration wave of Homo erectus (Out of Africa I) and accelerated the spread of Homo erectus(equipped with Acheulean technology) to Eurasia from Africa. According to recent studies, the spread of Homo erectus taking Oldowan toolkits to middle/high latitudes of East Asia can be traced back to 2.12 MaBP. Around 1.66 MaBP, humans occupied the Nihewan Basin, leaving behind abundant and dense Paleolithic archaeological sites showing clear diverse and flexible adaptive behavioral characteristics. This paper presents a preliminary study between environmental change and human survival behaviors of several important sites (Feiliang, Madigou, Cenjiawan, and Dongutuo, etc.) during the MPT from the Cenjiawan platform in the eastern part of the Nihewan Basin. Raw material procurement and exploration strategies indicate that local materials were adopted by early humans in the Cenjiawan platform. Exploration of different raw materials from sites depended on the distance from the raw material source instead of being directly influenced by environmental fluctuations. Freehand direct hard hammer percussion was the dominant technique especially during the MPT period. Although bipolar knapping was adopted by early humans, it had a complementary role that showed flexibility in knapping skills and enhancement of cognitive abilities of early humans to overcome constraints imposed by different qualities of raw materials. Attribute analysis of cores and flakes showed that core reduction and flaking procedures improved during the MPT period. The high quality of chert was selected as the most favorable raw material for stone knapping in the Nihewan Basin. Not only the number of tool types increased and the degree of retouch methods diversified, but complexity of various types of small scrapers, points, bores, notches, denticulates and multi-edged small tools increased significantly over time. In addition, evidence of core rotation and bifacial working of small clasts across some of the Nihewan assemblages like the Madigou knappers indicate that hominins had the ability to fashion bifacial implements and potentially LCTs. It can be deduced that increased environmental fluctuation and paleoecological variability during the MPT may have contributed to technological flexibility and diversification in response to new climatic challenges. This paper provides new insights into the understanding of human behavioral adaptation that corresponded with environmental fluctuations from African to high-latitude arid-semi-arid regions in East Asia. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Teeth morphology of Han, Hui, Mongolia, Miao and Uyghur peoples in China ZHU Haige, QIAO Hui, YANG Chen, GUAN Haijuan, ZHANG Hang, WEN Shaoqing, XIA Bin, TAN Jingze Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (04): 613-628.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0050 Abstract （1322）   HTML （42）    PDF（pc） （2511KB）（1105）       Knowledge map    Save Studies showed that the dental morphological traits are mostly controlled by multiple genes, and environmental factors have a relatively small impact on them. Therefore, there are significant distribution differences in different geographical or ethnic groups. The formation of these differences is closely related to the origin and evolution of populations or ethnic groups in different regions, as well as the communication and integration between populations. It is of great significance for revealing the origin and evolution of populations and the relationships between populations. In this study, 26 dental morphological traits of Han Chinese, Hui, Mongolian, Miao, and Uyghur populations were analyzed. We conducted the side consistency analysis, gender difference analysis, correlation analysis between traits and ageto explore the characteristics of dental morphological traits in five populations. Based on the population frequency data, the dental morphological traits of the five populations were compared with other Chinese populations, Japanese populations, Northeast Asia populations, Southeast Asia populations, European populations and African populations by multivariate statistical analysis. We explored the group relationships between five Chinese populations and global populations, as well as the dental morphological traits of the five populations. Our results showed that there was no difference between left and right sides in most dental morphological traits of the five populations, no gender difference in all traits, most dental traits showed no significant correlation with age. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that results confirmed that there objectively exist two types of dental features called Sundadonty and Sinodonty. The Han Chinese in Taizhou belongs to Northeast Asia populations, and has a high frequency of Shoveling and Double Shoveling. The Miao in Guizhou is located between Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia populations, and the incidence of Shoveling is relatively high. The Mongolian in Inner Mongolia and Hui in Ningxia belong to Southeast Asian population by the principal component analysis and multidimensional scale analysis, but they are located between Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia populations, and are clustered with the Miao in Guizhou through the adjacency network diagram. The lower frequency of Shoveling and Double Shoveling of Mongolian and Hui are similar to the Southeast Asian population. The Uyghur population is located between the East Asian population, the European, and North African populations, and is closest to the Han Chinese in Taizhou. The high-frequency Shoveling, Double Shoveling, and low-frequency Y-Groove are very similar to the Northeastern Asian population, but the absolute high-frequency of the Cusp4 is similar to the European population, confirming that the Uyghur population is a typical Eurasian mixed population. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Research progress on the relationship between Paleolithic hominid activities and environmental changes in the Nihewan Basin ZHANG Zhen, WANG Ying, LI Yuecong Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (01): 184-198.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0004 Abstract （952）   HTML （117）    PDF（pc） （4220KB）（1087）       Knowledge map    Save The Nihewan Basin in northern China has the largest number, densest distribution and most complete chronological sequence of Paleolithic hominid remains, and as such is an ideal region for the research on Paleolithic hominins and environment. Based on published data of 65 Paleolithic sites (groups) in the Yangyuan and Yuxian basins of the Nihewan, this paper discusses the relationship between Paleolithic hominid activities and environmental changes during Pleistocene. The results are as follows. 1. Sites of early Pleistocene mainly appeared 1.8 to 1.0 Ma BP, and were distributed in the northern margin area of the Cenjiawan platform. In the Middle Pleistocene (i.e., after 0.78 Ma BP), with reduction of the paleolake, the range of hominid sites expanded significantly from the Early Pleistocen. These sites were distributed not only in the southern margin of the Cenjiawan platform and the Yuxian basin, but also in the other margins of the ancient lake, such as the central and western parts of the Yangyuan basin. In the Late Pleistocene (i.e., after 0.126 Ma BP), the range of hominid sites further expanded, but with the gradual disappearance of the Nihewan paleolake and the formation of the Sanggan and Huliu rivers, the distribution pattern of sites changed to concentrate on the river terraces reflecting a dependence on water sources. 2. More than 80% of Early-Middle Pleistocene hominid sites correspond to the low Earth Orbit Eccentricity, and more than 70% sites correspond to the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) interglacial stage, which showed that the climate was relatively warm and with small fluctuations; suitable climate conditions for hominins. 3. During periods of hominin occupation, plant types are mostly steppe dominated by Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae, or forest-steppe dominated by Pinus, mixed with some broad-leaf tree species such as Betula, Ulmus and Quercus. The overall biodiversity was high, which provided not only rich food sources but also relatively wide spaces for hominin occupation. 4. In the Late Pleistocene, advances in stone technology and the use of fire, humans began to appear in later cold glacial periods. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Modern human fossils and their ages in southern China WANG Wei Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (06): 934-950.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0091 Abstract （801）   HTML （100）    PDF（pc） （8927KB）（986）       Knowledge map    Save In recent years, the origin and evolution of modern humans in East Asia has been a hot topic in paleoanthropology, Paleolithic Archaeology and molecular genetics communities. Evidence from fossils suggests that the MIS 5 stage was an important period in the emergence and evolution of early modern humans in South China, with the earliest appearance of modern humans in this region being traced back to the early Late Pleistocene, roughly around 120,000 years ago. It is noteworthy that fossil evidence of anatomically modern humans currently over 50,000 years old in East Asia all come from South China poviding key clues for exploring the origin of modern humans in East Asia, which raises some scientific questions. First, there are still debates about the stratigraphic age of the early modern human fossil sites in South China; second, most late modern humans appeared after 40,000 BP, and there is a lack of fossil evidence from 80,000 BP to 40,000 BP; and third, little is known about physical features and genetic characteristics of most of the modern humans in South China. In this paper, the author systematically sorts out the Homo sapiens fossils found from South China over half a century and referring faunal assemblages coeval with those human fossils, in order to establish a preliminary spatial and temporal framework for the survival of modern humans in the region. More human fossil sites, more detailed stratigraphic/chronometric studies in the late Middle Pleistocene to Late Pleistocene in South China, paying more attention to the Paleolithic archaeological evidence, engaging in paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and using the molecular paleontology to explore the genetic structure of these early populations would be a significant contributions to further information on this time period in South China. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Three-dimensional geometric morphometric analysis of patella morphology of the Neolithic people from Huiyaotian site in South China YE Ziqi, HE Anyi, LIANG You, LI Fajun Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (02): 259-272.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0021 Abstract （1044）   HTML （302）    PDF（pc） （1673KB）（961）       Knowledge map    Save The shape variability of human lower limbs is one of the core topics in human evolutionary and locomotion anatomy, and it provides clues about human activities and labor in different subsistence. However, evaluations of knee morphological function analysis are commonly conducted on the distal femora and proximal tibiae, while patellae, as the essential components of the knee joint, have not been observed and evaluated with the morphological methods until the recent decade. From the anatomic perspective, dragged by soft tissues such as the quadriceps muscle group, patellar tendon, and medial and lateral patellar retinaculum, the patella can be shaped in various morphological characteristics in different locomotive preferences. Meanwhile, the constantly attach to the distal femur during flexion and extension also adjusts the articular surface of the patella. According to these assumptions, the morphological variation of patellae can theoretically manifest the development of these muscles and ligaments and the force preference in lower limb activities. As a significant site of Dingsishan Neolithic culture, the Huiyaotian site reveals a typical hunting-gathering subsistence in Southern China. The site locates on the first terrace near to the Yongjiang River in Qingxiu District of Nanning city, Guangxi. Since 1977, archaeologists have conducted several investigations into the site. In 2006 and 2016, the Guangxi Institute of Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeology, in collaboration with the Nanning Museum, conducted archaeological excavations and salvage excavations on the site, and discovered relatively rich archaeological and cultural relics. In 2006, more than 50 human burials were excavated and revealed, with burial styles including limb-flexed, contracted, and hyper-flexed (parts of them belong to dismembered burials). The authors apply three-dimensional geometric morphometric methods to the human patellae (n=43) from the site. With three main topics of bilateral asymmetry, sexual dimorphism, and age differentiation, the authors aim to identify and visualize patellae's morphological variation and the intra-group difference in this hunting-gathering society. In addition, the authors form a specific series of three-dimensional geometric morphometric methods on human patellae, including landmark setting, measure error estimation, and functional interpretation. The result indicates that the habitants developed the greater left-biases in the size of the patellae, with the right deflection of both patella apexes. The bilateral asymmetry in size and shape can point to an unbalance locomotion in labor and daily activities. Males are proven to have larger patellae. There is no significant difference in morphology between males and females, while previous research revealed a significant sexual dimorphism in diaphyseal biomechanism. It manifests the asynchronism among biomechanism and morphology, patellae, and diaphyseal limb bones. Subadults tend to own smaller patellae, with longer patellar apexes and steeper patellar bases. Morphological change with age development might refer to the strengthening of the Quadriceps muscle, and the increasing intensity and frequency of knee flexion and extension. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Hominin and human dispersals in palaeolithic East Asia Robin DENNELL Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (01): 132-164.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2022.0044 Abstract （1470）   HTML （129）    PDF（pc） （18292KB）（948）       Knowledge map    Save Dispersals, colonisation, immigration and population assimilation or replacement are fundamental themes in the Palaeolithic record of East Asia. Some of these issues can be studied within a biogeographic framework that explains why and how the distribution of hominin species changed over time and space in response to climatic and environmental change. Because hominins (and especially humans) can change their behaviour through technical, social and cognitive developments, biogeographic models also have to incorporate this factor when investigating dispersals. This is particularly important with the dispersals in East Asia by Homo sapiens into rainforests, across open sea to off-shore islands, to the Arctic and the highest parts of the Tibetan Plateau. This paper suggests how hominin and human dispersals in East Asia might be investigated by using a biogeographic framework that can incorporate changes in hominin adaptability and behaviour. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A new insight into the origins of the Austronesian by the paleoenvironmental changes in the Taiwan Strait ZHANG Suixin, ZHANG Ke Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (05): 797-812.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0024 Abstract （1073）   HTML （69）    PDF（pc） （4549KB）（925）       Knowledge map    Save The Austronesian ethnic group, known for its strong oceanic connection, has been extensively studied in physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology for about a century. Scholars generally agree that the Austronesian people originated from the Taiwan region and the southeastern coast of the Chinese mainland. However, the question of how their ancestors arrived in Taiwan and then spread to other oceanic regions remains unanswered. Archaeological excavations along the coastal areas of the Taiwan Strait mainly reveal Neolithic artifacts with common features such as stamped pattern pottery, net sinkers, and layers of seashell middens. Notable examples include the Dabenkeng culture on the Taiwan side of the eastern Taiwan Strait and the Keqiutou culture on the Fujian side of the western Taiwan Strait. These cultures share similarities but also exhibit differences in stone tools and pottery. For instance, Dabenkeng pottery mainly features cord marks, while Keqiutou pottery includes additional patterns such as shell imprints, stamped hemp-dot marks, and engraved parallel lines. Some researchers speculate on a possible hereditary relationship between the two cultures, but they are puzzled by how they managed to cross the vast strait with limited maritime skills and without any clear maritime shift orientations and purposes in prehistoric voyages. It is noteworthy that most of the cultural ages of Keqiutou, Dabenkeng, and other discovered sites in the study area date back no earlier than approximately 7.4 kaBP, coinciding with the rise in sea levels to about the present level after the last deglacial period. Therefore, it is logical to consider the influence of sea-level changes on the origin and migration of the Austronesian people. Based on an analysis of the last deglacial sea-level rise, resulting ancient environmental changes, and current cultural features of excavated sites, we propose a possibility that the Austronesian ancestors emerged during the early Holocene (approximately 11.7~7.4 kaBP). This emergence was centered around the areas of both the nearshore of the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan Shoal, where they developed a “proto-Austronesian culture”. As sea levels gradually rose, their habitat was progressively submerged, compelling them to retreat to the inshore highlands on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The Austronesian relics discovered, such as Dabenkeng, Keqiutou, and Fuguodun, are actually offshoots of the Austronesian ancestors, inheriting their marine ecological characteristics. A scarcity of Neolithic remains older than 7.4 kaBP in the study area can be attributed to a “survivor bias” phenomenon. According to previous research on cultural relics and molecular anthropology, it is evident that there were at least three lineages for prehistoric humans in the Taiwan Strait area. The first lineage consisted of a late Paleolithic “local” community, which became extinct without leaving any inheritable evidence for later communities. The second lineage consisted of a quasi-local Austronesian community, i.e., the Dabenkeng and Keqiutou cultures, originating from the early Neolithic “proto-Austronesian” culture submerged in the areas of the nearshore and Taiwan Shoal and retaining their marine traditions and island characteristics. The only known example of the “proto-Austronesian culture” is the discovery of Liangdao Man I. The “proto-Austronesian culture” was originated by inheriting and developing the earliest pottery-making techniques and maritime skills, likely in very early Holocene or towards the end of the Pleistocene. The third lineage was an immigrant community that migrated southward from the area of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, bringing paddy farming practices. This community merged with the second lineage approximately 4 kaBP, leading to the formation of a widespread middle Neolithic culture in the study area. The incorporation of the second and third lineages advanced voyaging capabilities, providing a foundation for the expansion of Austronesian culture into the open ocean. The submerged areas of the Taiwan Strait nearshore and Taiwan Shoal, considered the cradle of Austronesian culture, await further discovery through submarine archaeological exploration. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Head and facial characteristics and their differences among different peoples in China YU Keli, ZHANG Xinghua, CHENG Zhi, ZHENG Lianbin Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (04): 574-585.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0044 Abstract （3466）   HTML （170）    PDF（pc） （901KB）（885）       Knowledge map    Save Head and face parameters are an important part of biological anthropology research. At present, there is a lack of comparative study of large data of head and face parameters in Chinese population. Based on the head and face data of 62 Chinese ethnic groups (53 nationalities ) and foreign ethnic groups collected in recent years, this paper conducts principal component analysis to explore the differences and commonalities of head and face characteristics between Chinese populations, and analyzes the differences of head and face characteristics between Chinese and foreign people. The study found that the head and face characteristics of the Chinese population are divided into northern and southern types. The northern minorities have higher faces, longer ears, higher noses and higher upper lip skins. The southern minorities have lower faces, shorter ears, lower noses and lower upper lip skins. The Han nationality is between the two. In the principal component analysis diagram, the loci of 8 Han ethnic groups are scattered among each other. The Han ethnic groups of the south and north do not form their own dense areas. Compared with foreign people, Chinese people have longer ears, narrower noses and wider faces. The head and face morphology of Chinese people is quite different from that of Negro people, which is relatively close to that of Caucasian people. The ethnic group sites with male and female as the main scattered point plots all form dense areas. The seven Han ethnic group sites all enter the loci dense area, interweaving with the minority sites, and there is no relatively independent Han ethnic group dense area. All these show that there is an obvious fusion process in the development and evolution of the Chinese ethnic groups. The East Asian region where the Chinese live is bordered by the sea in the east and south, by the Gobi in the north, by the mountains in the west, and by the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in the southwest. The geographical environment is relatively closed, which limits the communication and integration between the Chinese and other ethnic groups, thus forming typical Mongolian physical characteristics. This is the main reason why the head and facial characteristics of the Chinese are obviously different from those of Caucasian and Negro people. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Research progress and prospect of the ancient dental calculus residue TAO Dawei, ZOU Huilin Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (02): 344-354.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2023.0055 Abstract （1023）   HTML （77）    PDF（pc） （578KB）（876）       Knowledge map    Save Dental calculus is essentially a mineralized or fully mineralized dental plaque, which provides a new avenue for archaeological research due to its characteristics of easy preservation, accessibility and non-pollution. The highly mineralized nature enables itself to be well preserved for a long time, and also provides a good storage medium for various residues trapped in dental calculus. Consequently, extraction and analysis of residues from dental calculus becomes feasible. Since the analysis of dental calculus was used in archaeological research in the 1960s, residue analysis on ancient dental calculus has been carried out for more than 60 years. Along with more analysis methods applied to dental calculus, many important progresses have been made. In summary, the residue analysis on ancient dental calculus focus on the dental calculus attached on the surfaces of human or animal teeth unearthed from archaeological sites. Using multidisciplinary analysis methods such as including plant microfossil, stable isotope, palaeomicrobiology, ancient DNA and so on, various types of residues entrapped in dental calculus are extracted, and the properties, sources, and types of these residues are identified and analyzed, revealing the dietary sources of ancient humans and animals, which can reflect the economic activitieand social conditions. As of December 2022, at least 147 research papers on the residue analysis of ancient dental calculus have been published both domestically and internationally (excluding 12 master's and doctoral theses), including 121 from abroad and 26 from domestically, which indicate that the residue analysis on ancient dental calculus has gradually become an effective way to explore the economic and social conditions. This paper systematically combs the research progress of residue analysis on ancient dental calculus from four aspects: Elaborated dietary construction of human, development and spread of early agriculture, East-West resource exchange and consumption, and utilization of specific resources, and reveals its important value in archaeological research, and looks forward to the application of residue analysis on ancient dental calculus in archaeological research in China. More analytical methods such as organic residues should be applied in ancient dental calculus analysis in China, which can maximize the extraction of residues from ancient dental calculus and help to expanding research fields to animal husbandry by-products, consumption and utilization of specific resources, etc. As a common and easily accessible biological remains, ancient dental calculus might become a routine object in bioarchaeological research, and residue analysis of ancient dental calculus is expected to become a new academic growth point in the field of bioarchaeology in China. Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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A general review on the discovery and research progress of hominins in the Nihewan Basin since the 21st century PEI Shuwen, WANG Fagang, NIU Dongwei Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (06): 913-933.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0086 Abstract （827）   HTML （107）    PDF（pc） （7186KB）（855）       Knowledge map    Save The Nihewan Basin, filled with fluvial and lacustrine Quaternary deposits contains the densest concentration of Paleolithic sites outside of Africa, and is considered the key region to study environmental fluctuations and human adaptations in North China. Many archaeological discoveries and sites have led to an enlargement of the occupation area and also provided significant information on technological sequences in the Basin. Other developments include new work on magnetostratigraphic, OSL and cosmogenic nuclide dating techniques that have built the chronological framework of human occupation. Paleoanthropological research of the Xujiaoyao hominin remains supports the idea of continuity with hybridization as a major force shaping Chinese populations during the late Middle and early Late Pleistocene. Site formation processes have indicated different site exploitation in the Basin. Lithic technological studies have shown behavioral complexity and technological innovation by Pleistocene humans. Paleoenvironmental reconstruction contribute to explore the human adapted behaviors and environmental driving mechanism. Study of mammalian fauna from the Shanshenmiaozui site paints a more complete picture of Nihewan fauna, and analysis of hominin-carnivore interactions of Xujiaoyao archaic Homo provides a starting point for zooarchaeological work in the Basin. The Nihewan Basin has become the classic region for demonstrating millions of years of human prehistory in China, knowledge that complements biological and cultural developments in the Old World. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Reduction patterns and assemblage of the Levallois technology WANG Xiaoyu, GAO Xing Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2025, 44 (01): 1-13.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0067 Abstract （1007）   HTML （143）    PDF（pc） （1137KB）（850）       Knowledge map    Save Levallois technology, denominated after the Levallois-Perret site located in the northern suburbs of Paris, France, was initially recognized and demarcated by the archaeologist Henri Breuil. This particular technology, which necessitates the fabrication of specific flake products through core preparation, forms a distinctive hallmark of the Middle Paleolithic epoch in the western region of the Old World (referred to as the Middle Stone Age in the African context). It epitomizes the primary technological expression of Mode 3 preformed cores within Clark’s five-mode technological classification system. Marked by the pre-shaping of cores and the generation of specialized flake varieties, Levallois technology held sway in the Mousterian industrial complex. Levallois technology originally sprang up during the late phase of the Lower Paleolithic Acheulian industry and subsequently experienced further progression within the Mousterian technological paradigm during the Middle Paleolithic period. The incidence and application of Levallois technology exhibited pronounced variations among diverse Paleolithic assemblages; nevertheless, it unfailingly materialized in a multitude of stone tool industries spanning the Near East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. This lithic technology was noteworthy for its elaborate preforming sequence and the production of standardized implements, attesting to the elevated cognitive capabilities of ancient humans. As a result, this technology is routinely contemplated in the reconstructions of human intellectual evolution, given that it intimates advanced powers of conceptualization, abstraction, intelligence, and language. In contradistinction to its widespread prevalence in other regions, the documentary evidence of Levallois technology in China remains comparatively scant, attributable to the paucity of archaeological vestiges. Some scholars previously attributed the deficiency of Levallois technology in East Asia to meager effective population sizes and the absence of the Acheulian heritage. However, in recent years, with the strides made in archaeological excavations, the discovery of artifacts embodying Levallois technology at Chinese sites has galvanized the attention of the academic fraternity. Indicative Levallois artifacts have been unearthed at several locations in northern China, especially in areas proximate to Russia and Mongolia. These sites, dating back approximately 50,000 to 40,000 years ago, include Shuidonggou, Jinsitai, and Tongtian Cave. These findings have subverted prior assumptions and furnished novel vantage points for grasping technological assemblages, technological dissemination, as well as the divergences from representative sites of the late Middle Pleistocene and early Late Pleistocene in northern China. This paper strives to introduce and encapsulate the Levallois concepts, products, and idiosyncratic traits of the reduction pattern. It clarifies the extant evidence of Levallois technology unearthed in China and the characteristics of the affiliated industries. By dint of this endeavor, we aspire to proffer valuable perspectives for further research undertakings. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Behavior of the ancient humans as reflected by the broken long bones of mammals from the Majuangou site, Nihewan Basin WANG Xiaomin, LIU Lianqiang, CHEN Guopeng, LI Feng, XIE Fei, GAO Xing Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (01): 91-105.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2023.0042 Abstract （776）   HTML （96）    PDF（pc） （2367KB）（830）       Knowledge map    Save The Early Pleistocene site of Majuangou, one of the earliest hominin sites in northeast Asia is dated to 1.76-1.26 Ma BP. Excavations revealed 17 stratigraphic layers showing evidence of hominin activities including lithic artefacts and animal fossils, offering compelling evidence of the earliest human subsistence in high latitude regions of northeast Asia. Among them, Layer 3 (MJG-3) was estimated to be 1.66 Ma BP. The present study focuses on long bone fragments of large and medium-sized mammals recovered from MJG-3 between 2001-2003, with the goal of understanding taphonomic process of faunal assemblages. Breakage analysis, including fragmentation, weathering stages, long bone breakage patterns are reported. It shows that most long bones have green fractures. The recorded fracture angles provide data about initial consumption of bone marrow. We argue that hominins had primary access to carcasses by means of marrow extraction, while carnivores scavenged the leftovers. The systematic analysis of breaking patterns of long bones are applied here, offering evidence of hominin-carnivore interaction in Early Pleistocene in northeast Asia. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Comparison of bone artifacts from the Schöningen site in Germany and the Lingjing site in China WANG Hua, LI Zhanyang, Thijs van KOLFSCHOTEN Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (02): 214-232.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0022 Abstract （628）   HTML （87）    PDF（pc） （4271KB）（816）       Knowledge map    Save Similarities play an important role in the reconstruction of human physical, cultural and technological evolution. The two sites presented in this paper, the Middle Palaeolithic site Lingjing in China Layer 10 and 11 and the Lower Palaeolithic site Schöningen 13 II-4, the so-called Schöningen Spear Horizon in Germany, show striking similarities. The archaeological record of both sites includes lithic artifacts as well as a very large assemblage of fossil bones. The preservation of the material at both sites is excellent and the faunas encountered at both sites show many similarities. The faunal lists of both sites include a diverse carnivore guild, an elephant species, two different rhinoceros species, two different equids, different cervids and large bovids. Both sites also yielded bone retouchers as well as a unique record of bone hammers that show identical, unusual flaking and percussion damage. These similarities are remarkable if one takes into account the difference in age (ca 200 kaBP) and the geographical distance between the two sites of ca 8000 km. Therefore, we do not assume a close cultural link between the hominin populations active at both sites. The authors assume that the observed similarities show more or less identical, opportunistic hominin behaviour at both sites located in a comparable environment with more or less similar taphonomic conditions. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Research progress and prospects on northern dispersal routes of early modern humans into East Asia LI Feng Acta Anthropologica Sinica    2024, 43 (06): 951-966.   DOI: 10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0087 Abstract （880）   HTML （163）    PDF（pc） （1537KB）（815）       Knowledge map    Save The origin and dispersal of modern humans is a common concern in the scholarly community. Hominin fossils, ancient DNA and archaeological evidence show that origin and dispersal of modern humans are complex processes, and a simple replacement hypothesis does not work. Scholars have proposed southern and northern dispersal routes of modern humans from Africa to East Asia, and this paper mainly reviews research progress of the northern dispersal route. Available hominin fossils, dates, ancient DNA, and archaeological evidence indicate that early modern humans spread eastward across northern Asia between 50 kaBP and 40 kaBP. Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP) and Upper Paleolithic evidence has been used to support these northern dispersal route(s). An overland model from Levant to northeast Asia has been proposed, while a single origin of IUP has been challenged by the fact that the IUP appeared simultaneously in Levant and Siberian Altai. In East Asia, a multi-dispersal model has been put forward, and scholars suggested that early modern humans might have dispersed through various pathways such as Hexi corridor or steppe in Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. However, there are still many gaps in these routes, whether geographically or chronologically. Systematic investigation and excavations in central Asia and northwest China is the key to solving these problems. In addition to the earlier dispersal of modern humans, studies of Upper Paleolithic technology and ancient DNA suggest that there may have been multiple dispersal events of modern humans and technologies in northern Asia, probably in both directions. Studies at Zhoukoudian Upper Cave and the Tianyuan cave have demonstrated that early modern humans, unlike groups represented by IUP, bear many similarities with western Eurasia Upper Paleolithic hominins and culture. Scholars have hypothesized that the appearance of pressure microblade in different regions in northern Asia indicates an east-to-west diffusion of this technology in the late Upper Paleolithic. In consideration of the multi-stage complexity of modern human dispersals, it is an important task to reconstruct cultural sequences of the Upper Paleolithic in northern China, which can provide a more detailed cultural or technological evolution framework for exploring northern dispersal routes. In this way, we can further reveal the survival and adaptation characteristics of early modern humans in different regions, and deeply explore the interaction between early modern humans in different regions, and their interactions with archaic hominins such as Neandertals and Denisovans. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）