PEILIGANG Meaning and
Definition
-
Peiligang refers to an archaeological culture that existed during the Neolithic period in China. The term "peiligang" itself is derived from the site where the culture was first discovered, Peiligang Village, located in Henan Province.
The Peiligang culture is estimated to have thrived around 7000 to 5000 BCE, making it one of the early Neolithic cultures in the region. This prehistoric culture is characterized by its primarily agrarian lifestyle and the development of settled communities. The inhabitants of Peiligang engaged in activities such as farming, animal husbandry, and pottery-making.
Archaeological findings from Peiligang sites indicate the presence of various artifacts, including rudimentary stone tools, grinding stones, pottery vessels, and remains of domesticated animals like pigs, sheep, and dogs. The pottery from this culture is particularly noteworthy for its distinctive painted and incised decorations, often featuring geometric patterns and stylized human figures.
Peiligang society is believed to have lived in semi-subterranean or pit dwellings, which were small and circular in shape. Their subsistence mainly relied on the cultivation of millet, supplemented by hunting, gathering, and domestication of animals.
The study of the Peiligang culture has provided valuable insights into the early agricultural practices, artistic styles, and social organization of Neolithic societies in China. The knowledge gained from its archaeological remains has contributed significantly to our understanding of the development of human civilization in this region during a crucial historical period.
Etymology of PEILIGANG
The word "Peiligang" is derived from a Neolithic site known as Peiligang, located in the Henan province of China. The site was named after the nearby village of Peiligang, where the archaeological remains were discovered.
The term "Peiligang" itself is a combination of two Chinese characters: 佩 (pèi) and 隆 (lóng). 佩 means "adorn" or "wear" and has connotations of ornamentation, while 隆 means "abundant" or "prosperous". Therefore, the name "Peiligang" can be interpreted as a place of abundance or prosperity where people adorned themselves with various items.
The Peiligang culture is an archaeological culture that flourished in the Yellow River Valley around 7,000 to 5,000 BCE.
