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Archaeobotanical evidence of plant utilization in the ancient Turpan of Xinjiang, China: a case study at the Shengjindian cemetery

Authors Jiang, Hongen; Zhang, Yongbing; Lue, Enguo; Wang, Changsui

Journal VEGETATION HISTORY AND ARCHAEOBOTANY , JAN 2015,1:24

DOI 10.1007/s00334-014-0495-6

Abstract The Shengjindian cemeteries, Xinjiang, China, were discovered during the construction of a road in 2007, following which a salvage archaeological excavation was performed. Systemic archaeobotanical studies were applied to the plant remains, which were radiocarbon dated to 2,400-2,000 BP (about 500 BC-1 BC/AD). Altogether 33 taxa were identified. Five species of cereal remains were discovered, viz. Triticum aestivum, Panicum miliaceum, Hordeum vulgare, H. vulgare var. coeleste, as well as Setaria italica. The extent of the finds suggested that all of them were cultivated locally at that time. There were 38 fragments of grape seeds discovered within three tombs, which suggested occasional fruit cultivation by the indigenous people. Wild plants like reed and bulrush were also utilized by the ancient people in mat and thread making. The seed of Capparis spinosa may have been utilized for its medicinal and/or oil value. All of the above suggested that plants played important roles in the daily life of the ancient people buried in the Shengjindian cemetery.

Species covered 大麦 Hordeum vulgare 稷 Panicum miliaceum 粟 Setaria italica 小麦 Triticum aestivum