Provenance analysis of pottery from the Neolithic Diaolongbei site, Hubei Province, China by using NAA and petrography analysis

The Neolithic Diaolongbei site in Zaoyang city, Hubei Province, China is located in an important communication channel called as the Sui-Zao corridor between north and south China. Many artifacts from diverse cultures including: Yangshao culture in north China, Daxi and Qujialing culture in south China as well as local artifacts were found at the site. In this study, some pottery sherd samples from these four different culture styles found in different phases at this site were tested through instrumental neutron activation analysis (NAA) and petrographic analysis to discuss the provenance of the pottery and culture communication. The results indicate that during the first phase of the Diaolongbei Site (6300-5800 BP), all samples with Yangshao culture style were from the same source. During the second phase (5800-5300 BP), the source of all samples with Yangshao, Daxi or local culture styles was also the same and there was a manufacturing technique spread. During the third phase (5300-4800 BP), the imported pottery was identified so both cultural diffusion and pottery exchange existed in this phase. According to the results and the archaeology background, it is deduced that there was a close connection between the Diaolongbei site and other cultural regions and the imported sample supports that the Diaolongbei site might be a trade center.