Shang Ritual and Social Dynamics at Anyang: An Analysis of Dasikong and Huayuanzhuang East Burials

Abstract

The Shang period (1600-1046 BC) of early China has received considerable attention in archaeology. Ritual is thought to be important in the development of Shang society. However, there are considerable gaps in knowledge pertaining to the relationship between ritual and society across the entire sociopolitical spectrum. Burials hold great potential in furthering our understanding on the formation and maintenance of the Shang belief system and the relationship between ritual and society across this spectrum. This analysis reveals the substantial variability of Shang burial practices within the Late Shang center at Anyang in modern Henan, China.