Saturday, March 04, 2006

News: More evidence of Neolithic exchange in S. China

A new study focused on the composition of stone tools in Neolithic Southeast China suggests trade between islands off the coast of Fujian with the mainland and also possibly Taiwan.

As mentioned previously in the blog, evidence of early trade in this region including coastal Vietnam and the Philippines comes first in the apparent trade of shell and stone tools. This trade usually involved coastal people trading shells for the stones of those living further inland. Obsidian was also a part of this trade.

Later, jade and nephrite become important tool and jewelry materials in Neolithic exchange systems.

Tracking Neolithic Interactions in Southeast China: Evidence from
Stone Adze Geochemistry
http://apu.addr.com/a2/neolithic_trade_sechina.pdf

Regards,
Paul Kekai Manansala
Sacramento

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