Neolithic Site of Baiyang Village in Binchuan County, Dali
Overview
The Baiyang Village Site (白羊村遗址) is located 500 meters west of Baiyang Village in Jinniu Town, Binchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州宾川县金牛镇白羊村), Yunnan Province (云南省). This archaeological site, dating back approximately 4,500 years, is situated on a terrace next to a tributary of the Jinsha River (金沙江). It covers an area of about 3,000 square meters and has been excavated twice: first between 1973 and 1974 and again from 2013 to 2014. The site holds significant archaeological value, contributing to the understanding of ancient burial customs, the evolution of civilization in the upper Yangtze River region, and the origins of agriculture in Yunnan, particularly rice cultivation.
Historical Background
- Discovery: The site was discovered in the spring of 1972 by villagers during land cultivation.
- Excavations:
- From November 1973 to January 1974, the Yunnan Provincial Museum’s archaeological team excavated nine exploratory trenches, revealing numerous artifacts and remains.
- A second excavation was conducted in October 2013, led by the Yunnan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, involving experts from Peking University (北京大学), Wuhan University (武汉大学), and Jilin University (吉林大学).
Site Characteristics
The Baiyang Village Site is characterized by:
- Cultural Deposits: The site has a thick cultural layer with deposits reaching up to 4.35 meters. The stratigraphy indicates two main periods of Neolithic culture.
- Structures: The site features well-preserved remains of housing, hearths, storage pits, and graves.
- Artifacts: Over 516 artifacts have been unearthed, including stone tools, pottery, and animal bones, which provide insights into the life and culture of the ancient inhabitants.
Key Findings
- Housing Remains: Eleven complete house foundations were found, indicating a rectangular layout with an average size of approximately 12.5 square meters. The houses were primarily wooden structures.
- Fire Pits: Seven fire pits, primarily circular in shape, were discovered, containing charcoal and ash.
- Storage Pits: A total of 48 storage pits were identified, with a variety of shapes and containing food remains.
- Burials: A total of 34 graves were excavated, revealing various burial styles, including pit graves and urn burials.
Artifacts
The artifacts found at the site include:
- Stone Tools: Mainly polished tools such as axes, chisels, and knives.
- Pottery: Over 20,000 pottery shards, primarily sandy pottery, reflecting the technological advancements of the time.
- Bone Tools: Bone implements, including needles and ornaments, indicating skilled craftsmanship.
Cultural Significance
The artifacts from Baiyang Village provide significant insights into the agricultural practices, cultural developments, and social structures of the region over 3,800 years ago. This site is vital for understanding the transition from matriarchal to patriarchal societies in the upper Yangtze River basin.
Protection Status
- Local Protection: In February 1989, the Baiyang Village Site was designated as a county-level cultural protection unit.
- Provincial Protection: In November 1998, it was listed as a key provincial cultural site.
- National Protection: On May 25, 2006, the site was recognized as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Travel Information
Location
The Baiyang Village Site is located 500 meters west of Baiyang Village, Jinniu Town, Binchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
How to Get There
- By Car: From Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, take Airport Road (机场路) to the Dayong Expressway (大永高速), then follow Bai Tower Road (白塔路), Jinye Road (金叶路), and Taihe Road (太和路) to reach the site. The total distance is approximately 56 kilometers.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and clear visibility.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore other archaeological sites and cultural landmarks in the Dali region.
- Local Culture: Engage with the Bai ethnic culture (白族), which has a rich history and vibrant traditions.
This site not only offers a glimpse into the Neolithic era but also highlights the profound history and evolution of agriculture in Yunnan, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
