Dahe Paleolithic Site in Fuyuan County, Qujing

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The Dahe Paleolithic Site (富源大河旧石器洞穴遗址) is located in Cituo Village (茨托村), Daha Township (大河乡), Fuyuan County (富源县), Qujing (曲靖), Yunnan Province, China. Perched at an altitude of 1,743 meters on the Lai Stone Mountain (癞石山), the site features a cave approximately 35 meters long. Discovered in 1986 during local quarrying activities, the site yielded numerous mammal fossils and was identified as a Paleolithic site by experts in 1998.

Archaeological Significance

The site spans approximately 300 square meters and has revealed a wealth of artifacts. Excavations from 2001 and 2002, organized by the Yunnan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology (云南省文物考古研究所), uncovered significant findings. The 2006 excavations employed internationally recognized Paleolithic excavation methods, resulting in over 1,400 stone tools and more than 150 animal fossils.

Findings

Excavations revealed rich archaeological features, including:

• Artificial Stone Flooring: The discovery of artificially laid stone floors marks the first instance in Southwest China.
• Fire Pits: Evidence of fire usage, including cooking remains and heated stones.
• Stone Tools: The artifacts include various implements such as chopping tools, scrapers, and points, demonstrating both local cultural traits and influences from European Mousterian culture.

Dating of the cultural layers suggests that the site was active between 44,000 to 36,000 years ago, indicating early cross-cultural interactions between Eastern and Western civilizations during the Middle to Late Paleolithic period.

Excavation History

The joint excavation team, comprising experts from the Yunnan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Qujing City, and Fuyuan County, systematically explored the cave in 2006. They measured the spatial distribution of artifacts and mapped the site, which comprises several distinct zones.

Discoveries from Excavations

The 2006 excavation uncovered:

• 3 Human Teeth Fossils: Along with previously found specimens, indicating human presence.
• Stone Artifacts: A total of over 2,000 stone tools and thousands of mammoth and saber-toothed tiger fossils.
• Cultural Layers: The stratigraphy includes both upper and lower layers, with carbon dating confirming an age greater than 30,000 years for the upper layer.

Technological Insights

The stone tools discovered demonstrate advanced craftsmanship, including:

• Core Types: Disk cores, triangular points, and blades.
• Manufacturing Techniques: Predominantly percussion flaking, with some evidence of pressure flaking.

These findings highlight the technological similarities between this site and European Mousterian cultures, suggesting a shared heritage or influence.

Getting There

To reach the Dahe Paleolithic Site:

1. From Kunming: Travel to Qujing City by train or bus (approximately 2-3 hours).
2. By Car: Drive from Qujing to Fuyuan County, following signs to Daha Township and then to Cituo Village.
3. Local Transport: Use local taxis or ride-sharing services for the final leg of the journey.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploration.
• Local Accommodations: Stay in Fuyuan County for convenient access to the site.
• Cultural Respect: Engage with local customs and respect archaeological regulations when visiting historical sites.
• Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for a more informative experience on the site’s significance.