Immemorial Banpo Culture
As a part of the Yangshao Culture of the Neolithic Age, Banpo Culture originated from the middle reaches of the Yellow River. The culture is so named because it was founded in Banpo Village in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. Banpo Culture lasted from 6,800 to 6,300 years ago and reflects the geographical situation of northern China at that time.
Banpo People
Residents in Banpo lived in villages in clans or tribes. Agriculture, fishing and hunting were their main ways of them to acquire food. The dwelling place for a clan was surrounded by a moat as a way to prevent invasion by wild animals. Their houses were square or round in shape so that some of the building could extend under the ground.
Banpo Culture
Banpo Culture is renowned for its fine painted potteries. The pottery-painting skills displayed here are listed the top among all the cultures at that time. Not only are the pottery wares of different kinds but they are also meticulously painted with unusual patterns. Human faces, fish, deer, plants and other geometric figures are commonly seen on the wares, which were usually dyed red with black-lined patterns. The most representative design found in Banpo Village is a basin with human face and fish patterns found in Banpo. Judging from the patterns painted on the pottery, archaeologists have concluded that the fish symbol was regarded as a good omen by clans that time.
Burying Custom
As for the burying custom, people were buried in the common cemetery and adornments were usually buried together with the person. As for children, after they died, they would be put into urns and then buried in dwelling areas. As women played a significant role in society during that period, there were more sacrificial articles buried in the girls' graves than those of young boys.
Villages
Villages were of different sizes. Some large ones were of strict layouts such as Jiangzhai Village. The village is divided into dwelling places and grave area by dikes. Five architecture groups each of which had many houses were scattered around a center square. Humans during this period belonged to different clans.
Excavated in 1954, the ruin of Banpo Village lies in the east suburb of Xi’an. In 1958, a large Banpo Museum was built there presenting the production scenes of Banpo people, and social life and artistic achievements to modern people.
More Info:
1. Neolithic Age-headspring of the ancient China culture
2. Yangshao Culture
Banpo Museum