Gedeng Site of Neolithic Period in Weixi County, Diqing
Introduction
Gedeng Site of Neolithic Period (戈登新石器时期遗址) is located approximately 90 kilometers northeast of Weixi County (维西县) in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), specifically on the eastern bank of the Lapu River (腊普河) beneath a cliff, about 500 meters west of Gedeng Village (戈登村). This site, discovered in 1958, was excavated by an archaeological team from the provincial museum. The finding of the Gedeng Neolithic Site has not only pushed back the timeline of human development in Diqing by nearly a thousand years but also plays a crucial role in the study of Neolithic culture in the southwestern Sanjiang River basin (三江), which includes the Jinsha River (金沙江), Lancang River (澜沧江), and Nu River (怒江). Additionally, it provides essential physical evidence for understanding historical ethnic migrations and primitive societal conditions in the region.
- Chinese Name: 戈登遗址
- English Name: Gedeng Site
- Location: Yunnan (云南)
- Discovery Date: 1958年
Excavation
The Gedeng Site is situated about 90 kilometers northeast of Weixi County’s urban center, specifically at the eastern bank of the Lapu River, beneath a cliff around 50 meters above the river surface. The site was unearthed in 1958 by the provincial museum’s archaeological team.
Historical Background
The Gedeng Site has been identified as a Neolithic site, filling a significant gap in the understanding of Neolithic culture in Diqing. It provides evidence that human populations existed in the region during the Neolithic period. Comparisons of the manufacturing techniques of artifacts found here with those from nearby sites reveal that its upper dating limit is no earlier than the Karuo Site (卡若遗址) in Chamdo, Tibet (昌都, 西藏), dated to about 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, while the lower limit is no later than the Baiyang Village (白羊村) site in Binchuan, dated to approximately 500 to 3,000 years ago.
Artifacts
A total of 60 artifacts have been unearthed from the Gedeng Site, including 29 stone tools, 5 pottery pieces, and 2 bone tools. The stone tools are primarily made from natural gravel and include various forms, with many polished to a high sheen. Notable types of artifacts include polished stone axes, rectangular single-hole polished stone knives, stone arrowheads, stone needles, stone chisels, stone picks, stone balls, and perforated stone ornaments. The pottery found is mostly gray ware with sand inclusions, mainly jars, and includes perforated pottery fragments and sand-mixed red pottery nets. The typical artifact among the pottery is the earthen jar, with many pieces adorned with decorative patterns such as cord marks and incised lines. The bone tools include a single bone tube and a bone chisel.
Research Significance
The discovery of the Gedeng Neolithic Site not only advances the understanding of human development in Diqing by nearly a millennium but also significantly contributes to the research of Neolithic culture in the southwestern Sanjiang River basin and its connections with the Neolithic cultures of northern provinces. This site serves as an important physical basis for studying historical migrations and the conditions of primitive society in the aforementioned regions.
Exhibition
Artifacts from the Gedeng Neolithic Site were exhibited in a special display at the Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆) in 1975. Following the establishment of the Diqing Prefecture Museum (迪庆州博物馆), these artifacts have been collected and displayed there.
Protection Status
The Gedeng Site is recognized as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit in Yunnan, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage in the region.
Location of the Gedeng Site
The Gedeng Site is located approximately 500 meters west of Gedeng Village in Tata Township (塔塔乡) of Weixi County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
How to Get There
To reach the Gedeng Site:
- By Car: From Weixi County, take local roads northeast towards Tata Township. The site is about a 2-hour drive from the county seat, covering a distance of approximately 90 kilometers.
- By Public Transport: Buses may be available from Weixi County to Tacheng Township. Once in Tata, local taxis or shared vans can take you closer to the Gedeng Site.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal seasons to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and conducive for exploration.
- Respect the Site: As a site of historical importance, ensure to follow local guidelines and regulations to preserve the integrity of the location.
- Bring Essentials: Pack water, snacks, and a hat for sun protection, especially if you plan to explore the area extensively.
- Photography: Capture the stunning views and historical artifacts but be mindful of any restrictions regarding photography, particularly in museum settings.
- Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide to enrich your visit with in-depth knowledge about the site’s history and significance.
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