Stone boxes as inner grave structures in the Xituanshan culture in China and megalithic tradition of Korea: possible connections and parallels

First millennium BC is distinguished by active migration processes when groups of agricultural population moved from inland to coastal regions in the Sea of Japan region. These events can be most clearly seen in the evidence of the Bronze Age Xituanshan culture in the present-day Jilin Province of China. In the same period, a unique megalithic culture emerged on the Korean Peninsula and a part of Liaoning and Jilin Provinces of China. This study was aimed at establishing possible connections and parallels between the Xituanshan culture and synchronous culture ofthe Bronze Age on the Korean Peninsula, represented by megalithic structures - mainly dolmens of various types. The main features ofthe Xituanshan culture include burial structures of stone cists, predominantly primary burials with body stretched on the back, and inventory complexes with undecorated pottery, polished stone tools including reaping knives, and bronze weaponry. Stone cist is a relatively common type of inner grave structure in dolmens of the southern type and structures without supporting stones such as gaeseok type dolmens. Inventory complexes of dolmens usually included undecorated ceramic pots and polished stone tools including reaping knives; arrowheads and daggers were quite numerous. Some bronze weapons have been discovered. A detailed comparison of the Xituanshan culture and culture of dolmens has shown similarities in construction of burial structures, funeral rites, and inventory complexes, probably indicating cultural contacts or some ethnic proximity of the population. Further study of these cultures seems promising in a search for the origins of the megalithic tradition and bronze culture of East Asia in general.