A Cross-Continental Scientific Collaboration

In the intellectually vibrant 1920s, Canadian anatomist Davidson Black embarked on groundbreaking anthropological research that would reshape our understanding of China’s prehistoric populations. Working with skeletal materials collected by Swedish archaeologist Johan Gunnar Andersson from Neolithic sites across Gansu and Henan provinces, Black conducted meticulous racial anthropological studies that still influence scholarship today.

This transnational scientific partnership emerged during a golden age of archaeological discovery in China. Andersson’s excavations had uncovered remarkable prehistoric remains, while Black brought cutting-edge physical anthropology techniques from Western academia. Their collaboration bridged continents and disciplines at a time when modern Chinese archaeology was still in its infancy.

The 1925 Breakthrough: Identifying Mongoloid Characteristics

Black’s initial 1925 report on Gansu prehistoric skulls marked a watershed moment. Examining approximately 84 individuals (74 from Gansu, 10 from Henan) spanning five cultural periods, Black identified distinctive Mongoloid features including:

– Frequent nasal depression
– Moderate glabella and brow ridges
– Long but narrow nasal bones
– Prominent zygomatic arches
– Small fronto-orbital angles
– Hook-shaped occipital protuberance in males

These characteristics closely matched modern Mongoloid skulls, leading Black to propose these remains represented “Proto-Chinese” populations. However, three skulls (two from Yangshao period, one from Machang period) showed divergent traits suggesting possible different racial origins, which Black tentatively classified as “X” type skulls.

Methodological Evolution: From Observation to Statistical Analysis

Black’s methodology significantly advanced by 1928 when he published his comprehensive comparative study. Employing innovative statistical analysis of cranial measurements, he:

1. Confirmed the predominantly Mongoloid characteristics
2. Demonstrated closer affinity to modern North Chinese than Tibetan populations
3. Reclassified the “X” skulls as normal variations within Neolithic populations

His work established that Gansu’s prehistoric inhabitants showed remarkable homogeneity, with later period skulls more closely resembling modern North Chinese than earlier Neolithic specimens.

Archaeological Context and Modern Reassessment

While Black’s anthropological methods were groundbreaking, subsequent archaeological discoveries have revised the cultural chronology of Andersson’s collections. Modern scholarship suggests:

– No actual Yangshao culture materials were present
– “Neolithic” skulls likely belonged to Majiayao culture
– Other Gansu skulls may date to Shang-Zhou periods
– Henan materials might include modern intrusions

Despite these chronological issues, the skulls’ remarkable morphological consistency confirms their Mongoloid characteristics, particularly East Asian type features like:

– Flattened facial profiles
– Weak nasal bone projection
– High cranial vaults
– Narrow, tall faces
– Narrow nasal apertures

Regional Comparisons Across Neolithic China

Subsequent research across China’s major Neolithic regions reveals fascinating patterns:

Gansu-Qinghai Region:
– Yangwawan Qijia culture skulls (2 specimens) show North Chinese affinity
– Liuwan site (45 skulls) demonstrates homogeneity across Machang, Banshan, Qijia cultures
– Minhe Yangshan (11 skulls) exhibits typical East Asian Mongoloid traits
– Ningxia Haiyuan skulls (6 specimens) show North Chinese characteristics

Middle Yellow River:
– Banpo, Beishouling, Yuanjunmiao sites display:
– Simple cranial sutures
– Weak brow ridges
– Rounded orbital margins
– Shovel-shaped incisors
– Some scholars argue for closer affinity to South Asian types

Lower Yellow River:
– Dawenkou culture skulls show:
– Artificial cranial deformation
– Tooth extraction customs
– Initially controversial Polynesian comparisons
– Later recognized as East Asian Mongoloid
– Longshan culture skulls demonstrate continuity with Dawenkou populations

Yangtze Basin:
– Hemudu (2 skulls) shows mixed Mongoloid-Australoid features
– Xixia Wanggang (72 skulls) suggests North Chinese influence
– Longqiuzhuang (24 skulls) shows closer ties to Yellow River groups

South China:
– Tanshishan (9 skulls) exhibits stronger South Asian affinity
– Hedang (8 skulls) shows “weak Mongoloid” characteristics
– Zengpiyan (10 skulls) demonstrates southern morphological patterns

Enduring Legacy and Modern Significance

Black’s pioneering work established foundational knowledge about China’s prehistoric populations that continues to inform research. Key contributions include:

1. First scientific demonstration of Mongoloid continuity in Neolithic North China
2. Methodology blending physical observation with statistical analysis
3. Recognition of regional variations within broader Mongoloid framework
4. Framework for understanding modern North Chinese biological origins

Contemporary studies have refined but largely confirmed Black’s essential findings about the East Asian Mongoloid characteristics of China’s Neolithic populations. His work remains a touchstone for understanding the deep biological roots of Chinese civilization and the complex mosaic of regional variations that characterized ancient East Asia.

The ongoing discovery and analysis of Neolithic human remains across China continues to enrich our understanding of prehistoric population movements, regional interactions, and the biological foundations of East Asian peoples – building upon the foundation laid by Davidson Black nearly a century ago.