Journal of Interdisciplinary History and Human Societies
Research on the Ancestors of Humankind on Juehua Island-The Coastal Mountain Dwelling Civilization
Abstract
Jin Chunhua
Abundant fossil footprints left by shod and barefoot ancient humans have been preserved along the coast of Juehua Island, western Liaoning, China. These footprints exhibit distinct morphological characteristics of different foot types. The general prominent features of primitive footwear are inferred via geometric trace analysis of compression marks produced by shod human steps. Combined with previous relevant research findings and published literature, a preliminary identification is reached: the ancestral humans possessed highly sophisticated material culture and technological civilisation. This geological epoch coincided with a major species radiation event on Earth, during which clan tribes and social division of labour likely emerged. Traces of ancestral human activities have also been uncovered at multiple sites across the Huludao area, which were once dominated by bays and lagoons. For survival and security, the ancestral humans most probably constructed dwellings with stone materials, choosing settlements adjacent to water sources and mountain slopes; this civilization is hereby designated the Coastal Mountain Dwelling Civilisation.Geometric contour and kinematic analysis is conducted on partial details of a mural depicting a female figure riding a horse on a beach. A dragon-like creature appears coiled in the figure’s left hand, while a phoenix-like avian creature flies beside her footwear. This female figure is identified as the tribal leader of the ancestral human community, indicating a probable matrilineal society during that period. Evidence from clan labour division demonstrates that these ancestral humans engaged in marine fishing, hunting, crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Accordingly, the discovery of fossil footprints on Juehua Island in western Liaoning, China, provides crucial clues and fossil evidence for research into the origins of humankind and the genesis of human civilisation.