Foodways and social organisation in a Northern Wei dynasty (398–494 CE) cemetery in Pingcheng: Comparison of stable isotopes and mortuary practices

Abstract

Thus far, knowledge of the link between mortuary practices and foodways as well as the social organisation during the Pingcheng period (398–494 CE) of the Northern Wei dynasty is relatively poor.The results of this multidisciplinary study on Xinggangcheng cemetery indicate an agro-pastoral mixed economy and imply some aspects of identities in mortuary practice regarding the honouring of juveniles, couples, and other possible immigrant groups in Pingcheng City. Diversified foodways, mortuary practices, and no significant differences in social/family status have been observed, which was likely a consequence of ethnic integration and in-depth interaction of population and culture in Pingcheng.