The Hong Kong Palace Museum has featured the image of a jade dragon as the poster for its latest exhibition, ‘The Origins of Chinese Civilisation’.
When people talk about Chinese civilisations, they always mention the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, which are the origins of most Chinese cultures. In fact, the Liao River（遼河） in north-eastern China is one of the origins of Chinese civilisation that is often ignored.
The Hongshan culture（紅山文化), flourishing between 3500 and 2000 BC in northeastern China, represents a fascinating chapter in the narrative of ancient civilizations. Predominantly located in the Inner Mongolia region and parts of Liaoning（遼寧） and Hebei（河北), the Hongshan culture is not just an archaeological entity; it is a testament to early human creativity, social organization, and spiritual life.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Hongshan culture is its artistry, particularly evident in its jade carvings. The craftsmen of this era exhibited remarkable skill in shaping jade, a material highly revered in Chinese society for its beauty and symbolic significance. Artifacts such as ritualistic jades and intricately designed ornaments give us a glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities of the time. Some of the most notable jade pieces are the ‘pig dragons’（豬龍)—mysterious carvings that combine animal figures with abstract shapes. These objects are thought to have had ritual significance, offering insights into the beliefs and values of the Hongshan society.
Pottery is another area where the Hongshan culture excelled. Their ceramic wares, often adorned with intricate designs and painted patterns, reveal a sophisticated understanding of form and function. The pots, bowls, and storage jars were not merely utilitarian objects but also artistic creations, displaying a rich interplay of colors and textures. This emphasis on aesthetics suggests a society that valued beauty alongside practicality, challenging the notion that early cultures were solely focused on survival.
The burial practices of the Hongshan people are particularly intriguing. Archaeological excavations have uncovered elaborate burial mounds, indicative of a belief system that revered the dead and the afterlife. Graves were often accompanied by an array of grave goods, including pottery, tools, and jade artifacts, signifying the deceased’s status and importance. The presence of ochre in many burials hints at ritualistic practices, suggesting that these ceremonies were infused with spiritual meaning. Such complexities in burial customs reveal a society with distinct social stratification and a burgeoning sense of identity.
Agricultural advancements also played a crucial role in the development of the Hongshan culture. Archaeological evidence indicates that the inhabitants practiced agriculture, cultivating crops like millet and rice, which are still the main crops at the present three provinces of north-eastern China. This agricultural foundation facilitated the growth of permanent settlements, leading to a more complex social structure. The shift from a semi-nomadic lifestyle to settled farming allowed for the accumulation of resources, which in turn led to trade and interaction with neighboring cultures. The concept of a community sustained by agriculture marked a pivotal transformation in human history.
Spiritual beliefs and practices were integral to the Hongshan culture. Many artifacts, including ritual vessels and symbols, suggest a society that engaged in shamanistic practices, possibly seeking connections with ancestors and the spirit world. The layout of certain archaeological sites, including the remains of altars, indicates that communal worship and rituals were pivotal in their social life. These spiritual pursuits reflect the innate human desire to seek understanding and meaning in life, transcending the mundane to connect with the divine.
In conclusion, the Hongshan culture is a captivating exploration of early human creativity, social organization, and spiritual expression. From their exquisite jade artifacts and sophisticated pottery to their elaborate burial practices and agricultural innovations, the Hongshan people laid the groundwork for future civilizations in China. Their legacy persists, not only in the artifacts left behind but also in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, providing an enduring reminder of the depth and complexity of ancient societies. As we unravel the mysteries of the Hongshan culture, we are reminded of the timeless threads that connect us to our human past, forging a continuous journey of discovery and wonder.
Image at the top from Hong Kong Palace Museum.