The Social Function of Painted Pottery Motifs in the Yangshao Culture of Neolithic China
Keywords:
Neolithic Period; Yangshao Culture of China; Pottery Patterns; Symbolism and Social FunctionsAbstract
Chinese ceramic art originated in the Neolithic period, with archaeological evidence indicating that primitive ceramics date back approximately 10,000 to 13,000 years. Throughout this long history, research on early ceramics has continued unabated. This study employs a review and analysis of existing literature on painted pottery, combined with image analysis, to examine their social functions across different regions of the Yangshao Culture.Key areas of analysis include the recording of social events, social hierarchy and identity symbols, as well as belief systems and survival-related rituals. The findings reveal that painted pottery served not only as artistic decoration, but also as a medium for documenting historical memory, signaling social status, and conveying spiritual values. However, the study remains limited by its reliance on a small number of representative artifacts and the speculative nature of prehistoric cultural interpretation.Overall, these motifs demonstrate the multifaceted role of ceramics in prehistoric society, highlighting their significance beyond mere functionality and providing a deeper understanding of early Chinese social and cultural practices.
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