Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Standardization of Shell Tools in the Haidai Region During the Dawenkou-Yueshi Culture Period: From the Perspective of the Whole Life Cycle

Tianyi ZhangShandong University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

The period from the Dawenkou Culture to the Yueshi Culture in the Haidai Region was a critical stage of prehistoric social complexity. As widely used tools for production and daily life, shell tools are important evidence for revealing regional handicraft organization and resource utilization patterns. This paper takes shell tools unearthed from inland sites of this period as research materials, selects the Wangyin Site in Yanzhou, Sanlihe Site in Jiaoxian, Yuchisi Site in Mengcheng and Yinjiacheng Site in Sishui as typical cases, and systematically investigates the raw material preparation, processing production and use steps of shell tools from the perspective of the whole life cycle. The study finds that prehistoric shell tools in this region had formed a relatively standardized production system and stable application scenarios during this period, showing a limited level of standardization. At the same time, it is noted that the standardization level of shell tools cannot only rely on morphological quantitative indicators, but also needs to be comprehensively determined by combining the production organization characteristics of each stage of the operational chain.

Keywords: Haidai Region; Dawenkou-Yueshi Culture Period; Shell Tools; Standardization
Published: June 15, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.NS34432
Volume: CHR Vol.109
pp. 56-68
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