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# Social complexity and hierarchy in the Hetao region on the eve of Chinese proto-state formation by isotopic analysis

## Details

**Authors** Liuhong Yang, Xuesong Pei, Jinsong Sun, Jing Shao, Hui Deng, Liangliang Hou

**Year** 2026

**Publisher** Journal of Archaeological Science

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Archaeology

**Applied** false

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2026.106518) 
10.1016/j.jas.2026.106518

## In authors' words

### Abstract

To reveal dietary variations among the past populations on the eve of proto-state formation in the Hetao region, this study conducted AMS-14C dating and stable isotope analysis on human and faunal bones from the Zhaishan site, Shaanxi, China. Results show that most humans with direct AMS-14C dating (4084-3575 cal BP) subsisted primarily on millet-based food with inter-individual variability in animal protein consumption. Individuals from the highest-status tombs accessed more animal protein. Occupants of other burial types consumed fewer animal protein. The marginalized groups in ash pits almost had no access to animal protein. Subadults consumed consistently high levels of animal protein, whereas adult consumption patterns correlated positively with social status. Meanwhile, adult males consumed more animal protein than females. These dietary disparities shed light on social stratification and a trend toward the rise of male-biased inequality, providing direct evidence for sociopolitical complexity on the eve of proto-state formation in the Hetao region.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

To investigate dietary variation among populations at the Zhaishan site prior to Chinese proto-state formation in the Hetao region.

### Who or what was studied (sample)

Human and faunal bone samples from the Zhaishan site, Shaanxi, China; 7 human bones dated by AMS-14C and 146 samples analyzed for stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes.

### How they did it (methods)

AMS-14C radiocarbon dating combined with stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of bone collagen, compared across burial types, age classes, and sexes.

### What they found (results)

Isotope analysis showed that individuals in the highest-status tombs consumed the most animal protein, occupants of other burial types consumed progressively less, and individuals in marginalized ash-pit burials had almost no access to animal protein, with adult males also consuming more animal protein than adult females.

## Commentary

### In short

The findings describe a nested social system of ranked burial groups distinguished by sharply different diets, with social status functioning as the relationship that determines access to animal protein.

**Patterns it shows** D, S, R

**Added** 2026-09-26

**How to cite this** Liuhong Yang, Xuesong Pei, Jinsong Sun, Jing Shao, Hui Deng, Liangliang Hou (2026). Social complexity and hierarchy in the Hetao region on the eve of Chinese proto-state formation by isotopic analysis. Journal of Archaeological Science.