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HISTORY

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two main neolithic cultural traditions lying in stratified sequence. At lower levels there is coarse, cord-marked pottery together with finer decorated pottery, and chipped and polished stone tools. Cultural comparisons supported by several scientific datings indicate that the beginning of this culture in the area may have been around 3,000 BC. The evidence from the pottery shapes and decorations suggests that they may have been the result of contacts with the northern Chinese Stone Age cultures of Longshan (Lung-shan).

At the higher level, a cultural change is noticed when the pottery, soft and hard, is decorated with stamped geometric designs. This geometric tradition, of which the best known example is the 'Kui' or 'double-f' pattern a late geometric motif common in South China - began about 1,500 BC. The resemblance of pottery decorations to the northern bronze motifs of the Shang Dynasty (1766–1154 BC) and the Zhou (Chou) Dynasty (1122-249 BC) has led to the hypothesis that they inspired the geometric pottery tradition of the south. The excavations also reveal the appearance of bronze in this area around 600 BC and the advent of the Chinese of the Qin (Ts'in) (221–207 BC) and Han (206 BC-220 AD) dynasties, as evidenced by the discovery of coins from this period.

Although little is known of the early aboriginal inhabitants themselves, it is likely that they belonged to the ancient 'Yuch' tribes of South China, and were of Malaysian-Oceanic origin. The abundance of seashore sites suggests that they were boat people, sailing freely in the sheltered waters around Hong Kong's many islands, frequently landing and spending some time ashore. They lived by fishing, but may have practised some agriculture close to their landing sites. An interesting archaeological feature, almost certainly made by these people, is the rock carvings of geometric patterns found at Shek Pik, Lantau Island; on Po Toi and Cheung Chau Islands; and at Big Wave Bay, on Hong Kong Island.

China's military conquests during the Qin (Ts'in) and Han dynasties must have brought Chinese in increasing numbers to the south and exerted pressure on the local population. The Han tomb at Lei Cheng Uk, in Kowloon, stands as firm evidence of the presence of Han Chinese in this area.

Although the early garrisons may have cultivated the land for self-subsistence, the Chinese chronicles contain no records of land tenures until the Song (Sung) Dynasty (960-1279). A strong tradition exists locally that the first Chinese settlers to arrive were the family surnamed 'Tang' whose members subsequently established the peasant and land-owner traditions in this area.

Hong Kong's connection with the Song (Sung) Dynasty is rich in legend and tradition. As the Mongol armies pursued the young Song emperor and his shattered forces into the south, the final defeat of the Song forces is reputed to have taken place in the Guangzhou (Canton) estuary. There is a belief that following the defeat the court fled to Lantau Island where many loyal Song courtiers lie buried. Some archaeological support exists since Song relics have been found from time to time on the island, while in 1962 a rich cache of thousands of Song coins was accidentally uncovered during the construction of the Shek Pik Reservoir. Another site Nim Shue Wan, on the east coast of Lantau – although never excavated, has been known for many years to local archaeologists as a rich source of Song pottery.

The fate of the aboriginal boat people of this area is uncertain. It is believed that some may have fled to other islands, while others remained and were absorbed by the Chinese who had gradually assumed sway over the region. The present Tanka boat people, who are undoubtedly of ancient origin, fit in best as the possible descendants of Hong Kong's early inhabitants.