Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
The Yangshao culture was a Neolithic society that existed in China from around 5000 to 3000 BCE. It is characterized by its painted pottery, agricultural practices, and early forms of social organization.
Banpo Village: A well-preserved archaeological site associated with the Yangshao culture, revealing insights into their daily life activities such as farming and hunting.
Oracle Bones: Inscribed animal bones or turtle shells used for divination during later periods in Chinese history but not directly related to the Yangshao culture.
Clan-based Society: The social structure prevalent in many Neolithic cultures including Yangshao, where people organized themselves based on kinship ties.