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HISTORY

close of the 4th millennium BC, must be seen within the framework of a changing environment which experienced sea levels rising from depths as low as 100 metres below the present inexorably submerging vast tracts of coastal plain and establishing a basically modern shoreline and ecology to which human groups present in the area had to adapt if they were not to perish.

The stone tools, pottery and other artifacts relied on for an insight into the lives of Hong Kong's ancient inhabitants, are for the most part preserved in coastal deposits. This pattern of coastal settlement points to a strong maritime orientation and an economy geared to the exploitation of marine resources. However, it would be unwise to over-emphasise this point, since the discovery of archaeological remains is influenced by many factors governing their survival. For example, the erosion of the hilly terrain has been severe and evidence of inland settlement is scanty, though not totally absent.

Recent excavations have revealed two main neolithic cultures lying in stratified sequence. At the lower, older level, coarse, cord-marked pottery has been found together with a fine, soft fragile pottery decorated with incised lines, perforations and occasionally painted. Chipped and polished stone tools are also present. Current indications suggest a 4th millennium BC date for this initial phase.

Cord-marked pottery and chipped stone tools continue as long-lived traditions into the higher, later levels, in which appears a new ceramic form decorated with a wide range of impressed geometric patterns. In this phase, beginning in the mid-3rd millennium BC, - polished stone tools show better workmanship and a proliferation of forms, some with steps and shoulders features probably connected with improvements in hafting techniques.

Ornaments such as rings, some slotted, were also made from quartz and other suitable stones. These adornments came in a range of sizes, sometimes displaying exquisite craftsmanship.

The final phase of Hong Kong's prehistory is marked by the appearance of bronze in about the middle of the 2nd millennium BC. Bronze artifacts do not seem to have been in common use, but fine specimens of weapons, swords, arrowheads and halberds, and tools such as socketed axes and fish hooks have been excavated from Hong Kong sites. There is evidence, too, in the form of stone moulds from Kwo Lo Wan on Chek Lap Kok Island, Tung Wan and Sha Lo Wan on Lantau Island, and Tai Wan and Sha Po Tsuen on Lamma Island, that the metal was actually worked locally.

The pottery of the Bronze Age comprises a continuation of the earlier cord-impressed and geometric traditions and a new type of ware, fired at a much higher temperature leading to vitrification. This so-called hard geometric ware is decorated with designs, many of which are reminiscent of the geometric patterns of the late neolithic period, but with their own distinctive style, including the well-known 'Kui-dragon' or 'double F' pattern, so characteristic of the region during this period.

Archaeology is silent on such questions as the ethnic and linguistic affinities of the ancient peoples. However, ancient Chinese literary records make references to maritime peoples known as 'Yue' occupying China's southeastern seaboard. It is probable, therefore, that at least some of Hong Kong's prehistoric inhabitants belonged to the 'Hundred Yue', as this diverse group of peoples was often called.

Interesting archaeological features, almost certainly made by these people, include the rock carvings, most of which are geometric in style, at Shek Pik on Lantau Island; on Kau

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