Suchergebnisse

This book studies the formation of complex societies in prehistoric China during the Neolithic and early state periods, c. 7000–1500 BC. Archaeological materials are interpreted through anthropological perspectives, using systematic analytic methods in settlement and burial patterns. Both agency and process are considered in the development of chiefdoms and in the emergence of early states in the Yellow River region. Interrelationships between factors such as mortuary practice, craft specialization, ritual activities, warfare, exchange of elite goods, climatic fluctuations, and environmental changes are emphasized. This study offers a critical evaluation of current archaeological data from Chinese sources, and argues that, although some general tendencies are noted, social changes were affected by multiple factors in no pre-determined sequence. In this most comprehensive study to date, Li Liu attempts to reconstruct developmental trajectories toward early states in Chinese civilization and discusses theoretical implications of Chinese archaeology for the understanding of social evolution

AbstractDespite decades of research and debate, the narrative that low-quality patents stifle innovation remains fraught with controversy. It is called into question because the term "patent quality" seems to be a potential misnomer, and reforms to improve patent quality are ineffective. The purpose of this study is to offer a comparative critique of the debate regarding patent quality in the European Union and the United States. It investigates five factors relating to the history of this debate, contested definitions, measurements of quality, proposals that are not implemented, and reforms that are implemented. The main contribution of this paper is to review how the debate has been constructed, indicating that certain arguments seem to talk past each other and consensus is hard to reach, that measurements are flawed, and that proposals and reforms seeking improvement seem to be treating the symptoms but not the disease. The study argues that the debate encounters a conceptual predicament characterized by substantively different conceptions of patent quality, which are influenced by differing normative expectations and assessments of patent systems. It transforms a potentially useful analytical concept into a rabbit hole. Any attempts to break the current impasse must begin with an appreciation of the different senses in which patent quality is used and an assessment of the legitimacy of their underlying normative frameworks.

AbstractHainan Island fishermen have been engaged in fishing in Nanhai Zhudao (the Nanhai Islands) since ancient times. From sailing to the emergence of motorboats, the South China Sea fishermen have experienced different seafaring eras. Fishermen who work and live on the islands and reefs also have experienced living on islands seasonally to long-term. This article uses the inhabiting fishermen groups of the Xuande and Yongle Islands in Xisha Qundao (the Xisha Islands) as examples to demonstrate the unique livelihoods of the fishermen and reveal their role in the use of marine ecology to achieve sustainable development.

Questions relating to state emergence in China are often intertwined with the origins of early dynasties. This subject involves many disciplines, including archaeology, history, and anthropology, and scholars from these fields often employ different definitions for states/civilization, use various approaches, and address diverse issues. This article intends to provide an overview of major archaeological findings, approaches, interpretations, and debates on certain issues. Controversial questions include whether some of late Neolithic polities can be considered early states, and whether ancient textual accounts can be used to guide archaeological interpretations. It may not be possible in the near future to alter the historiographically determined approach, which pervades Chinese archaeology, but social-archaeology methods for investigating the political-economic system on regional and interregional scales have proven productive.

The characteristic traits of the Neolithic developed independently of each other during a very long time period over a broad region in China. Pottery appeared as early as ca. 19.000 cal. BP in late Paleolithic contexts. A shift to a semi-sedentary way of life first occurred at the onset of Holocene (ca. 11.000 cal. BP), and was associated with hunting-gathering populations. Pigs, dogs, rice and millet were domesticated by 9000-8000 cal. BP by people who primarily relied on wild plants and animals. Fully developed Neolithic sedentary farming villages were not established until ca. 7000 cal. BP in China. Agricultural economy was the foundation for emergence of hierarchical organized societies with elite groups controlling political and ritual power. Throughout the middle and late Neolithic period (7000-4000 cal. BP) numerous complex societies developed and declined across much of China's landscape before the formation of early states in the second millennium BC. ; Los característicos rasgos del Neolítico se desarrollaron independientemente unos de otros durante un periodo muy largo en una amplia región de China. La cerámica es tan antigua como c. 19.000 A.P., en contextos del Paleolítico Tardío. A principios del Holoceno (c. 11.000 A.P.) ocurrió un cambio hacia un modo de vida sedentario y estuvo asociado con las poblaciones de cazadores-recolectores. El cerdo, el perro, el arroz y el mijo fueron domesticados alrededor de 9000 a 8000 A.P. por gente que antes dependía, en especial, de plantas y animales silvestres. Las aldeas agrícolas del Neolítico completamente desarrolladas no se establecieron si no hasta c. 7000 A.P. La economía agrícola fue el fundamento para el surgimiento de sociedades jerárquicas organizadas en las que existían grupos de elite que controlaban el poder político y ritual. A lo largo de los periodos Neolítico Medio y Tardío (7000-4000 A.P.) numerosas sociedades complejas se desarrollaron y pasaron por procesos de decadencia en gran parte del paisaje del territorio chino antes de la formación de los Estados tempranos en el segundo milenio a.C.

Since the first outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, numerous countries have experienced waves of outbreaks that have had severe social, economic, and political effects. Many medical and anthropological studies have suggested that tribes and elders in rural and indigenous villages became isolated from the outside world due to a lack of resources and because of cultural constraints. On January 22, 2020, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Taiwan was discovered. As of October 23, 2022, 7,476,478 confirmed cases have been reported; of these, only 64,298 were in Taitung County, making it the region with the fewest cases in Taiwan. In this ethnographic study, I visited indigenous tribes in Taiwan that were less affected during the pandemic, conducted in-depth interviews with tribal-care providers, and collected secondary data from reports and social media regarding pandemic prevention on tribes in Taitung County. I also explored the difficulties created by the suspension of tribal-care services due to pandemic-related social distancing and isolation measures, and how care providers overcame these challenges. COVID-19 is not the first and nor will it be the last virus to threaten humans. Thus, it is important to gain insight into how care networks and connections were rebuilt through innovative measures that enabled tribal elders to receive culturally sensitive care and maintain their health during the pandemic.