Sourcing the interaction networks in Neolithic coastal China: a geochemical study of the Tianluoshan stone adzes

Using geochemical techniques such as XRF, ICP-MS, and Sr–Nd isotope analysis, we conducted a sourcing study of the stone adzes of Tianluoshan (ca. 5000–7000 BP), an early Neolithic waterlogged site in Zhejiang Province, eastern China. The result demonstrates that about one-third of the lithic raw materials came from places of at least 50 km away, suggesting the existence of a long distance interaction network. Because Tianluoshan was located on the ancient coast, this result also has implications for studying the early Neolithic seafaring in China.

► We conducted a sourcing study of the stone adzes (5000–7000 BP) of Tianluoshan in eastern China, using geochemical techniques. ► The result demonstrates that about one-third of the lithic raw materials came from the places of at least 50 km away, suggesting the existence of a long distance interaction network. ► Our research results have important implications for studying the early Neolithic seafaring in China because the Tianluoshan was located on the ancient coast.