East Asian bioarchaeology: major trends in a temporally, genetically, and eco-culturally diverse region

Abstract

This final synthesizing essay brings together the main threads that bind the various chapters in the volume in terms of human mobility and health. While appreciating the vast geographic area covered and the immense complexity (however measured) of the region, several overriding trends are evident. Regarding population mobility, more attention needs to be paid to Central China, a terribly under-researched area in terms of human biology in the past. A broad consensus emerges in terms of characterizing the northern zone (e.g. north and west of China), which experienced a great deal of biocultural flux over time. On the other hand, there is considerable controversy over characterization of the interaction zone between NE and SE Asia, with polarized views espousing either in situ evolution or demic diffusion to explain the emergence of modern SE Asians. Regarding the other main focus of this volume, human health, a clear pattern of declining community health is found to have accompanied the adoption/intensification of agriculture in both China and Japan.