Core Insights - The establishment of the "Shatang Beiyuan Type" fills a critical gap in the prehistoric cultural research of Ningxia, specifically in the cultural development sequence of the Longshan period [1][2] - The new cultural type provides a clearer understanding of the transition from the Caiyuan culture to the Qijia culture, addressing previous gaps and cultural discontinuities [2] Group 1: Cultural Development - The newly identified "Shatang Beiyuan Type" serves as a transitional archaeological cultural relic, bridging the Caiyuan culture and Qijia culture [1] - The dating of the Shatang Beiyuan site, determined through precise carbon-14 dating, ranges from approximately 2200 BC to 1900 BC, providing a solid temporal framework for the cultural sequence [1] Group 2: Archaeological Significance - The Shatang Beiyuan Type is characterized by pottery primarily made of orange-yellow clay, which retains forms from the Caiyuan culture while developing unique decorative features [1] - The discovery of the Shatang Beiyuan site lays the foundation for understanding the settlement patterns and subsistence strategies of the Qijia culture [1] Group 3: Cultural Interaction - The Shatang Beiyuan Type is mainly distributed on both sides of the Longshan Mountains and shows interaction with the Kexingzhuang culture in the Guanzhong region, highlighting the cultural exchanges during the Longshan period [2] - The establishment of this cultural sequence clarifies the prehistoric cultural lineage in Northwest China and contributes to understanding the formation of a diverse yet unified Chinese civilization [2]

Group 1 - The article discusses the discovery of an eagle-patterned bone tube from the Kayao culture, dating back 3600 to 2600 years ago, found in the Qinghai province [5][24]. - The bone tube is made from animal limb bones, featuring a smooth surface and engraved with seven flying eagles, highlighting the craftsmanship and cultural significance of the Kayao people [7][9]. - Eagles were a common bird of prey in the Tibetan Plateau, symbolizing strength and wisdom, and were revered by the ancient inhabitants of Qinghai, often depicted in various artifacts from the same era [12][24]. Group 2 - The exact purpose of the eagle-patterned bone tube remains uncertain; it may have been a semi-finished product for making bone flutes or a storage container for bone needles, reflecting the advanced processing techniques of the Kayao culture [14][18][21]. - The Kayao culture is considered a significant archaeological site linked to the ancient Qiang people, with over 1700 discovered sites, showcasing a transition in material culture from pottery to wooden and bronze artifacts [24][25]. - The findings from the Kayao culture provide valuable insights into the economic and cultural practices of ancient Qinghai, contributing to the understanding of Chinese cultural origins [24][25].