This article analyzes animal bones unearthed from Ritual Zone D using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses,and discusses the collection and use of pigs for high-level ceremonial activities through restoring the feeding practices of pig offerings.The study finds that the δ13C and δ15N of specimens collected from pig offerings differ greatly,which means that there were significant disparities in diet.The findings suggest that pigs raised for high-level ceremonial activities,like those held in Ritual Zone D of sites of sacrificial rituals,were fed in different units,and that,at different stages,there were different socioeconomic networks for the collection.This circumstance might be related to the fact that the rulers of Erligang Culture strengthened and expanded the political and economic relations among different groups,and even regions,through the collection and use of animal sacrifices for high-level ceremonial activities.
Yanshi Shang City siteRitual Zone Dpigs offeringsδ13C and 815Nfeeding practices
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