Shell Mounds of the Dian Lake

Abstract

This article provides data on the search and study of the finds obtained during archaeological excavations of shell mounds in the region of Dian Lake in Yunnan Province, China. These objects represent a common, but at the same time, quite specific category of archaeological sources containing important information about the material and spiritual life of the population that left them. From the considerable number of Yunnan køkkenmøddings, the ancient fortified settlement of Guchengcun attracted the most attention, during the excavations of which it was possible for the first time to reveal the direct sequence of the Pre-Dian and Early Dian stages, dating back to the period of 3500– 2500 years BC, which are characterized by a unique set of ceramic and bronze implements. These finds give us the opportunity to express preliminary considerations regarding the origin of the Dian culture and state. Some part of the ceramics is similar to the vessels of the local Neolithic culture of Baiyangcun, which had contacts with the Neolithic painted pottery of the Yellow River valley; another part of it, as well as jade half-rings and sea shells, indicating a connection with the coastal cultures of Eastern China. Bronze knives and daggers are probably related in origin to the population of Northern China and adjacent territories. The interaction of these factors formed the basis of the Dian culture, while the contacts with the northern peoples outlined a line of interaction, following which the “horseback culture” later penetrated into Yunnan, shaping the formation of the Dian state.