This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies.

Archaeologists reveal 8,000-year-old bone powder cooking practice in ancient China

submited by

Style Pass

2025-01-22 17:00:04

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A new study by archaeologist Xingtao Wei and his colleagues, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, provides insights into some of the earliest forms of humans processing bones into powder for cooking, dating back nearly 8,000 years (6,085 and 6,369 BC).

The finding was made at the Xielaozhuang (XLZ) site in the Henan province of North China. The site belonged to the Peiligang culture (ca. 9,000–7,000 BP), which was one of North China's most significant Neolithic cultures. It was known for being among the earliest producers of fermented beverages, creators of the oldest tonal flutes, basic textile weavers and sewers, and possibly one of the earliest users of the Chinese script.

In 2017 and 2018, the site was excavated, revealing a settlement, a cemetery and three pottery Ding-tripods (鼎) with food-crust remains. Ding-tripods were a type of pottery vessel that stood on three legs. Initially made of ceramics, these would eventually be cast in bronze.