Lacquer Box DNA Analysis Reveals Ancient Farming Techniques in Shantou, China

SHANTOU, CHINA – Archaeologists working on the outskirts of Shantou, a bustling coastal city in China’s Guangdong Province, have made an extraordinary discovery. They found a lacquer box containing residues that, after extensive DNA analysis, have revealed insights into ancient agricultural practices in the region. This breakthrough sheds new light on the development of farming techniques and the socio-economic structure of the local community centuries ago.

Lacquer Box with Ancient Residues

The research team, led by Dr. Zhang Wei from Hebei University of Technology, initiated the project to explore potential archaeological finds from various historical sites around Shantou. During excavation efforts near the city’s historical marketplace, they discovered the meticulously preserved lacquer box. The box was carefully sealed and protected from the elements, allowing for optimal preservation of the internal contents.

The subsequent DNA analysis performed at the National Center for Genetic Research identified numerous plant and soil residues within the box. These residues included ancient grains, roots, and herbal plants, which are consistent with known agricultural practices during the Tang Dynasty. Furthermore, the team identified specific bacterial and fungal signatures indicative of intensive cultivation methods used during that period.

“This discovery not only adds depth to our understanding of ancient farming but also demonstrates how innovative these societies were,” stated Dr. Zhang Wei. “The preservation and documentation of such findings help us comprehend how past cultures adapted to their environments and contributed to the evolution of modern agriculture.”

The findings are significant because they provide concrete evidence of the sophisticated farming techniques employed by early communities in southern China. These practices laid the foundation for advanced agricultural development and influenced the dietary habits and social structures of the region over centuries.

The team plans to continue their excavations in other nearby historical sites to gain further insights. Preliminary results will be published in a forthcoming paper in the Journal of Ancient Agriculture. For more information and updates on this groundbreaking discovery, stay tuned to our portal.