Urgent Request for an English Introduction to the Upper Cave Man

The Cave Man on the Top of the Mountain, also known as the Shangdian Cave Man, represents an important late stage of Homo sapiens in the Upper Paleolithic period of China's North China region. Discovered in 1930 within the Zhoukoudian Cave site in Beijing, these fossils have provided invaluable insights into human evolution and prehistoric Chinese culture.

Discovery and Location

The discovery of the Shangdian Cave Man took place in 1930, during the excavation of the Peking Man site at Zhoukoudian, Beijing. Specifically, these fossils were found in a cave located at the top of the Longgu (Dragon Bone) Hill, hence the name "Cave Man on the Top of the Mountain." Systematic excavations led by Pei Wenzhong from the New Terrestrial Department of the Geological Survey of China took place between 1933 and 1934. The site yielded a wealth of fossils, including three relatively complete skulls and other cranial, mandibular, and dental remains, representing at least eight individuals.

Geological and Chronological Context

The geological era of the Shangdian Cave is the late Pleistocene, with radiocarbon dating placing the age of these humans at approximately 10,000 to 30,000 years ago, more specifically around 27,000 to 34,000 years ago according to newer estimations. This places them in a warmer interglacial period, known as the Marine Isotope Stage 3, which explains the presence of fossil remains of tropical and subtropical animals like civets and hyenas, rather than the cold-tolerant animals like woolly rhinoceros and mammoths that would be expected in the later Ice Age.

Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics of the Shangdian Cave Man indicate significant progress in human evolution. Their cranial features, including a relatively high cranial capacity ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 milliliters, smaller teeth with higher crowns, and a prominent mandibular chin, are all indicative of modern human traits. The average height of male individuals was approximately 1.74 meters, while females were around 1.59 meters.

These individuals exhibited some primitive traits as well, such as a relatively broad superciliary arch and a prominent occipital bone. Analysis of the cranial measurements suggests that while some features resemble Western European fossil humans like the Cro-Magnon, others align more closely with modern or fossil Mongolian populations. There is also evidence of artificial cranial deformation in one of the female skulls, likely for cultural or aesthetic reasons.

Cultural Artifacts and Lifestyle

The Shangdian Cave Man's cultural artifacts provide a window into their advanced way of life. Stone tools, primarily made through knapping techniques, include choppers, scrapers, and pointed implements. Although relatively crude, these tools demonstrate their capability in tool-making. More sophisticated are the bone artifacts, which include sewing needles, awls, darts, and flutes, indicating proficiency in grinding and drilling techniques.

The discovery of decorative items, such as pierced animal teeth, stone beads, and sea clam shells, reveals a developing sense of aesthetics and personal adornment. Additionally, the presence of red ochre powder in burial sites suggests the practice of ritualistic behavior, possibly related to burial customs or religious practices.

The Shangdian Cave Man's diet was diverse, including both terrestrial and aquatic resources. Evidence of hunting activities is abundant, with fossil remains of rabbits, deer, and other mammals indicating their primary prey. Aquatic resources, such as fish and other aquatic fauna, expanded their dietary repertoire, marking an increased understanding and utilization of natural resources.

Cave Structure and Habitat

The Shangdian Cave is divided into four parts: the entrance, the upper chamber, the lower chamber, and the lower vault. The entrance faces north, with a height of about 4 meters and a lower width of 5 meters. The upper chamber, located in the eastern half of the cave, is approximately 8 meters wide north-south and 14 meters long east-west. A pile of ashes found in the middle of the ground, along with burnt stalactites and cave walls, suggests that the upper chamber was their living space.

The lower chamber, situated slightly lower in the western half of the cave and about 8 meters deep, served as a burial site. Here, three complete human skulls and some trunk bones were discovered, surrounded by red ochre powder and grave goods. The lower vault, a fissure 3 meters long and 1 meter wide located deeper in the lower chamber, contained many complete animal skeletons, presumably fallen into this natural "trap" before human habitation.

Social Structure and Behavior

The Shangdian Cave Man lived in a period characterized by the development of matrilineal clan communes. Their advanced tool-making skills, sewing abilities with bone needles, and the use of animal skins for clothing reflect a sophisticated level of technology and cultural development. Fire-making and maintenance were also well-established, evidenced by the controlled use of fire in the cave.

Significance and Legacy

The discovery of the Shangdian Cave Man holds immense scientific significance. It provides crucial evidence for the widespread distribution of late Homo sapiens and their significant cultural advancements. The artifacts and fossils recovered from the site have contributed to our understanding of human evolution and prehistoric cultures in China.

Unfortunately, the fossils and relics of the Shangdian Cave Man, along with those of the Peking Man, were lost during the Second World War in 1941. Despite this loss, the legacy of the Shangdian Cave Man remains an essential part of the study of human evolution and prehistoric China. Their artifacts and cultural practices continue to inform and inspire researchers worldwide, offering a glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors.

In summary, the Cave Man on the Top of the Mountain represents a pivotal stage in human evolution, showcasing advanced tool-making, aesthetic sense, and social structures. Their discovery has enriched our understanding of human history and continues to be a vital area of research for anthropologists and archaeologists.