The Relics of Xiaojianshan Cave Culture in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Chinese Name: 丘北县小尖山洞穴文化遗址
English Name: The Relics of Xiaojianshan Cave Culture in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Overview
The Xiaojianshan Cave Cultural Site is located in Miele Village, Xinzai Village Committee, Yuezhai Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan, about one li (approximately 500 meters) east of Xiaojianshan Mountain.
Site Description
- Cave Dimensions: The cave entrance is approximately 12 meters high and 20 meters wide. Due to the collapse of the cave roof, the entrance is now blocked and the cave lacks depth, but it still provides shelter from wind and rain with ample natural light.
- Cultural Layers: The cultural layer at the cave entrance is over 40 centimeters thick and has hardened over time, forming a layer of limestone. The smoke layer on the rock walls combines with the increasing rock formations, with a thickness of about 0.4 centimeters.
- Artifacts: The cultural layer contains a variety of artifacts including:
- Animal Fossils: Remains of pigs, cattle, and sheep.
- Stone Tools: Stone cores and unburnt charcoal.
- Shells and Pottery Shards: Black pottery fragments, indicating the development of pottery and agriculture around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.
- Bone Ornaments: Decorative items made from bone.
- Pebble Tools: Used for striking and other purposes.
Significance
The discovery of black pottery shards at this site marks the beginning of pottery and agriculture in the Neolithic era, highlighting significant advancements in human technology and culture. The Xiaojianshan Cave Cultural Site provides crucial physical evidence for studying Neolithic human activities and has considerable archaeological value.
