Liu, Nani ， Lian, Huiru ， Ma, Mingzhi ， Chen, Kunlong
2026-02-01 JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS 2026 69(卷), null(期), (null页)
This study investigates the resource utilization and organizational strategies in pottery production at the Lushanmao site, a significant Late Neolithic settlement located in northern Shaanxi, China. Through petrographic analysis and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), we identified more than four distinct pottery recipes, revealing a relatively diversified production system likely involving multiple independent units. The results indicate that the raw clay materials can be classified into two primary types, which were modified through the addition of various materials. Notably, tubular tiles exhibit a high degree of uniformity in their recipes, while other pottery types display significant variability, suggesting differences in production requirements and organizational approaches. The various types of raw materials used highlight the complexity of technological traditions and raw material sourcing. These findings not only shed light on the potters' preferences for local clay resources and the diversity of processing methods but also provide new insights into ceramic production with Late Neolithic societies of the Northern Loess Plateau.