Archaeological Approaches and Research Trends on Ancient Chinese Brewing

Abstract

This study examines ancient Chinese brewing origins through archaeological evidence and scientific analysis. Two theoretical frameworks exist: alcohol as an agricultural surplus byproduct versus “Feasting Theory,” which suggests brewing demands stimulated agricultural development. Analysis of pottery residues from the Jiahu site in Wuyang, Henan Province, confirmed mixed fermented beverages from rice, honey, and fruits dating to approximately 9,000 years ago. Since gathering and hunting were the primary subsistence strategies, this demonstrates agriculture was not a prerequisite for brewing. Analysis of yeast cells, starch granules, and phytoliths elucidated brewing materials and fermentation agents. Brewing vessels emerged during the Neolithic period, with the industry establishing during Longshan culture. Grain-based brewing became widespread in the Xia-Shang period, evidenced by artificially cultivated yeast at Shang workshops. Brewing technology advanced during Western Zhou and Spring-Autumn-Warring States periods with specialized administrative positions, and distilled spirits production commenced after the Han dynasty. Alcohol served political, religious, and ritual functions. Dawenkou culture drinking vessels suggest specialized brewers, while Xia-Shang bronze wine vessels and oracle bone inscriptions reflect elite consumption. Western Zhou bronze inscriptions document communal drinking practices and strategic vessel deployment. Changes in bronze wine vessel burial assemblages during late Shang through early-middle Western Zhou reflect ritualization, embodying patriarchal clan system social order. Alcohol maintained social cohesion and institutionalized political authority. Prehistoric consumption is interpreted through costly signaling theory as competitive feasting whereby elites displayed authority. This research demonstrates Chinese brewing culture emerged not necessarily from agricultural development but was feasible during gathering economy stages, suggesting brewing demands may have stimulated agricultural development in certain regions. Brewing technology developed progressively from the Neolithic period, becoming a state-level regulatory system after Western Zhou. Chinese brewing culture became a fundamental component of civilization, functioning as both political instrument and cultural symbol