The Circulation of Pearls in the Eastern and Western Worlds During the Neolithic Age: New discoveries from the Xihetan site in the Hexi Corridor, China

The Xihetan Site is a Neolithic site located in Jiuquan, Gansu Province, where a large number of white bead ornaments have been unearthed. Through various scientific analysis techniques, including ultra-depth microscopic observation, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), these bead ornaments were identified as having an inner core composed of dolomite or vanadate minerals and an outer layer with a calcite structure, indicating they are seawater pearls. The pearls unearthed at Xihetan date back approximately 4,086 to 3,820 years, making them the earliest and largest in quantity discovered to date in the Hexi Corridor region. Based on the global context of Neolithic pearl discoveries and considering the co-occurrence of these pearls with artifacts bearing Western cultural characteristics, such as bronze objects, Maceheads, and seashells, it is speculated that these pearls likely originated from the Persian Gulf region and were transmitted to the Hexi Corridor via Central Asia. This study provides new material evidence for exploring cultural exchanges between the East and the West during the late Neolithic period. • Through various scientific analysis techniques, including ultra-depth microscopic observation, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), We identified this batch of white pearls as calcite pearls produced in seawater environment. • Through the internal structure of these pearls and the number of unearthed pearls, we speculate that these pearls may be produced by some kind of oysters, and the oysters may grow in a frequently changing external environment during the pearl production process. • Most of the experimental data in the previous manuscript were re-collected, so that the quantity and quality of the data were significantly improved. At the same time, these experimental data were made into clearer and more beautiful pictures, and the information density carried on a single picture was improved. • Based on the above experimental analyses, it can be confirmed that the pearls unearthed at Xihaitan are marine pearls, not locally produced. Through a systematic review of archaeological discoveries of pearls from the prehistoric period to the early Bronze Age, we conclude that the Persian Gulf region served as the primary center for pearl harvesting and trade during that time. Artifacts such as Mace heads, bronze objects, cowrie shells, Triticum aestivum , and Hordeum vulgare excavated from the Xihaitan site indicate the existence of material and cultural exchanges between the region and West Asia. It is therefore inferred that these pearls likely originated from the Persian Gulf region. The discovery of these pearls and related artifacts with West Asian stylistic features connects the early cultural exchange routes between West Asia and China dating back approximately 4,000 years.