Exploitation Strategies for Vitric Tuff in Northeast China During the Early Holocene: A Case Study of the Xiaonanshan Site

This paper systematically studies newly excavated materials from the Redianchang area of the Xiaonanshan site along the Ussuri River, revealing vitric tuff exploitation strategies and technologies during 9.2-8.6 ka BP. Our research shows microblade technology dominated the lithic industry of Redianchang area, with tool assemblages overwhelmingly of direct and vertical pressure microblades. Use-wear observations and related experiments demonstrate that these retouched microblades functioned as specialized tools for processing particular resources. In terms of spatial distribution, the knapping area and the activity zones for tool use are spatially segregated, suggesting that the prehistoric inhabitants maintained a clear spatial organization of the site. Overall, this study systematically elucidates the adaptive behaviors of prehistoric humans in Northeast Asia during the Early Holocene. The results suggest that technological demand was the primary driving force behind these behaviors, and provide empirical support for the livelihood radiation model proposed for this period.