Local adaptation and subsistence strategy of Yangshao migrants in Northwestern Sichuan in China during the Middle Neolithic (5300–4700 cal. BP)

Abstract

Migration is a frequent phenomenon in human history. Previous studies mainly used migration as a simple process to account for any cultural changes observed in migrant communities. Recent studies, however, have recognized that migration is embedded in both environmental and social contexts, thus making it necessary to study the consequence of migration on a case-by-case basis. To better understand the changes associated with migrational processes, this case study investigates the subsistence pattern of a Neolithic site (5300-4700 cal. BP), Liujiazhai, in Northwestern Sichuan Highland by employing microbotanical residue analysis on pottery vessels. Our results on millet phytolith contribute to the overall picture of millet agriculture in Yangshao and Majiayao migrant communities and enrich our understanding of how varying crop patterns in Neolithic western China are likely a consequence of migration. In addition, we suggest that Liujiazhai migrants adapted to the high-altitude environment by utilizing more local wild plant resources. This study shows that, although Yangshao migrants were still connected to their homeland in terms of material culture, relocating to the challenging environment in NW Sichuan requires adaptive strategies that diverged the Yangshao migrants, including Liujiazhai, from their home culture. Hence, this study exemplifies how migration is an agent of change.