In a notable breakthrough, Chinese researchers have unearthed a microblade technology site dating back over 10,000 years in the heart of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. This remarkable discovery, reported by the Science and Technology Daily, not only addresses a gap in the region’s prehistoric cultural history but also provides crucial insights into early human migration and adaptation on the plateau.
The site was revealed by a team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology during their second Qinghai-Xizang scientific expedition. This discovery is among the most abundant prehistoric human cultural heritages found on the plateau, shedding light on the large-scale migration and settlement activities of early humans in the region.
The microblade production characteristics on the site closely resemble technologies from the Late Paleolithic era in northern China, mainly involving wedge-shaped and semi-conical cores. Importantly, the site has been dated to between 11,000 and 10,000 years ago, providing a crucial chronological marker for understanding the evolution of prehistoric human culture in the region.
In addition to the archaeological findings, the research team incorporated molecular biology discoveries into their study. They found that the migration of microblade technology groups into the plateau may be closely linked to the long-term occupation of the region by humans and the formation of modern populations in Xizang.
This significant discovery offers new perspectives on early human activities in the region and underscores the cultural and historical importance of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. With this intriguing finding, researchers will continue to delve deeper into understanding early human migration and prehistoric cultural development in this area.