Comparing Prehistoric Subsistence Practices Revealed by Pottery Residue Analysis Across Asia

Abstract

Asia, as a cradle of human civilization, saw its prehistoric inhabitants develop diverse subsistence patterns due to varying geographical environments, climatic conditions, and resource distributions. Traditional archaeological methods, while offering some insights into these patterns, are limited in revealing detailed and cultural aspects. In recent years, the analysis of pottery residues has emerged as a new approach, gaining increasing attention. As an essential part of prehistoric life, pottery residues can directly reflect important information such as food sources, processing methods, and trade interactions.

This study systematically classified and summarized 103 published analyses (including more than 240 sites) of prehistoric pottery residues across Asia, spanning from the early Neolithic to the Iron Age. Through statistical charts and comparative analysis, the research uncovered significant diversity in subsistence strategies among different regions: East Asia relied heavily on plant resources, while also utilizing aquatic and animal resources; West Asia was dominated by animal fats, with frequent occurrences of dairy products and beeswax, suggesting early animal husbandry and trade activities; Central Asia showed a clear dependence on ruminant animals and horse milk; and North Asia focused on marine resources.

The results indicate that the subsistence practices of prehistoric people in Asia were influenced by multiple factors, with unique adaptive strategies emerging in different regions. These differences not only reflect the prehistoric populations' ability to utilize and adapt to their natural environments but also laid the foundation for subsequent cultural exchanges. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and recommends integrating faunal and floral archaeological data with isotope studies in future research to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of ancient human subsistence and fill existing research gaps.