ABSTRACT
Guo begins by describing the distribution and chronology of these sites, which are found both north and south of the Yan mountains. The time is now placed from Late Longshan to Early Shang, that is, 2000-1500 BCE, and is divided into three periods. Most of the pottery is quite ordinary, but different from the daily pottery of the Yellow River region. The vessel shapes include steamers, baggy-legged li tripods, solid-legged tripods, and jars. Ceremonial pottery includes gui tripod pitchers and jue tripod spouted wine vessels, found in matching sets in burials. Both shapes are found in Shang sites, but there the vessels are made of bronze, and in this connection it is interesting that Lower Xiajiadian vessels have rows of bumps resembling rivets. The taotie [monster mask] design appears among the painted patterns. Cloud patterns, thunder patterns, turtles, and dragons are also found, also resembling Shang bronzes. However, the dates indicate that the Shang is later than Lower Xiajiadian, rather than the other way around. Large numbers of pig bones were found both in dwelling sites and in burials. Cattle, sheep and deer bones are also represented.
