Scholarlink

<p>Taking the modern ice-fishing practices at Chagan Lake as a point of departure, this study examines the ice-fishing procedures, tool assemblages, fishing techniques, fish-luring practices, and related ritual activities employed by the Khitan during the spring <i>nabo</i> period of the Liao Dynasty (916–1125 <span>CE</span>). The analysis relies on both historical texts and archaeological evidence, and places these traditional fishing practices in dialogue with contemporary ice-fishing activities at Chagan Lake in order to explore patterns of similarity, transformation, and possible historical resonance. While ice-fishing is a widespread practice in cold regions and likely predates the Liao Dynasty in Northeast Asia, the findings indicate that the ritual practices, fishing techniques, ecological principles and the celebration of the “first catch” preserved in the ice-fishing tradition of Chagan Lake may be understood as reflecting partial correspondence and selective reinterpretations, rather than as evidence of continuity in a strict historical case. Meanwhile, notable differences in fishing environment, techniques, and operational organisation between the Liao period and the present suggest that these practices have undergone substantial transformation instead of simple transmission. This case illustrates how a seasonal fishing system developed within an empire established by a nomadic polity in northern China can be reinterpreted and recontextualised as a form of contemporary living heritage. Its transformation reflects the combined influence of socio-economic conditions, technological innovation, and political authority in Khitan society. By presenting an exploratory and integrative archaeological perspective on fishing technology, this investigation elucidates the multifaceted nature of Khitan ice-fishing practices a millennium ago and highlights the ways in which elements of traditional ecological knowledge may be selectively preserved, adapted, or reconfigured, together with their long-standing social significance in Northeast Asia. We also examine cases of ice-fishing from cold regions such as Finland, the United States and Canada. Cross-cultural comparisons show that ice-fishing techniques are widespread in high-latitude, cold environments and display clear adaptive features.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

A Millennium on Ice: Ice-Fishing at Chagan Lake from the Liao Dynasty to Today

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月8日

查看全文
  • Jie Zhang,
  • Hui Wang,
  • Yekun Zhang

摘要

Taking the modern ice-fishing practices at Chagan Lake as a point of departure, this study examines the ice-fishing procedures, tool assemblages, fishing techniques, fish-luring practices, and related ritual activities employed by the Khitan during the spring nabo period of the Liao Dynasty (916–1125 CE). The analysis relies on both historical texts and archaeological evidence, and places these traditional fishing practices in dialogue with contemporary ice-fishing activities at Chagan Lake in order to explore patterns of similarity, transformation, and possible historical resonance. While ice-fishing is a widespread practice in cold regions and likely predates the Liao Dynasty in Northeast Asia, the findings indicate that the ritual practices, fishing techniques, ecological principles and the celebration of the “first catch” preserved in the ice-fishing tradition of Chagan Lake may be understood as reflecting partial correspondence and selective reinterpretations, rather than as evidence of continuity in a strict historical case. Meanwhile, notable differences in fishing environment, techniques, and operational organisation between the Liao period and the present suggest that these practices have undergone substantial transformation instead of simple transmission. This case illustrates how a seasonal fishing system developed within an empire established by a nomadic polity in northern China can be reinterpreted and recontextualised as a form of contemporary living heritage. Its transformation reflects the combined influence of socio-economic conditions, technological innovation, and political authority in Khitan society. By presenting an exploratory and integrative archaeological perspective on fishing technology, this investigation elucidates the multifaceted nature of Khitan ice-fishing practices a millennium ago and highlights the ways in which elements of traditional ecological knowledge may be selectively preserved, adapted, or reconfigured, together with their long-standing social significance in Northeast Asia. We also examine cases of ice-fishing from cold regions such as Finland, the United States and Canada. Cross-cultural comparisons show that ice-fishing techniques are widespread in high-latitude, cold environments and display clear adaptive features.