Core Insights - Archaeological findings at the Peiligang site in Xinzheng, Henan, reveal significant discoveries, including a unique human-faced ceramic sculpture dating back approximately 7,500 to 8,000 years, which may reflect the spiritual beliefs and aesthetics of the local population [1] Group 1: Archaeological Discoveries - The excavation area expanded by over 500 square meters, uncovering multiple structures and fire pits in the eastern living area [1] - The human-faced ceramic sculptures, particularly the one with a "介" shaped head, are believed to be important sources for later deity imagery and possibly used in rituals [1] - The southern burial area has clarified boundaries and revealed features such as ash pits, graves, and kiln sites, enhancing the understanding of settlement life [1] Group 2: Social Structure Insights - The western burial area has uncovered multiple graves with complex overlapping relationships, indicating social stratification through the diversity of burial goods [1] - The findings in the western Paleolithic area have established characteristics and chronological sequences of late Paleolithic remains [1]

Core Insights - Archaeological work at the Peiligang site in Xinzheng has yielded significant findings, including the discovery of multi-room buildings and unique ceramic sculptures dating back approximately 8,000 to 7,500 years, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and aesthetics of the local population [3][5]. Group 1: Excavation Findings - In 2025, over 500 square meters of new excavation area were opened at the Peiligang site, in addition to completing unfinished work from 2024 [3]. - The eastern living area revealed multiple structures and hearth deposits, along with the discovery of human-faced ceramic sculptures, which are considered to have special significance [3]. - The southern burial area clarified the southern boundary and uncovered pits, graves, and kiln sites, enhancing the understanding of settlement life unit remains [5]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The newly found ceramic sculptures prominently feature human and animal heads, with some human faces exhibiting mask-like characteristics, suggesting they may have been used in rituals [3]. - The western burial area revealed multiple graves with complex overlapping relationships, indicating social stratification through the diversity of burial goods [5]. - The western Paleolithic area established distinct characteristics and chronological sequences of late Paleolithic remains [5].