People between the Rivers

This fundamental study provides the first comprehensive history of the lands between the Red and Pearl Rivers in southern China and the people who lived there over a span of a thousand years. Bringing to life the mysterious early people known as Li and Lao who inhabited the area, Churchman explores their custom of casting large bronze kettledrums.

Catherine Churchman is a lecturer in the Asian Studies Programme in the School of Languages and Cultures at Victoria University, Wellington.

List of Maps and Tables Acknowledgements Note on Transcription and Referencing Systems Table of Chinese Dynasties Introduction Chapter One: Digging up Drums Chapter Two: The Two Rivers and the Lands Between-a Geographical Outline Chapter Three: Why are the Li and Lao?-The shifting meanings of Ethnonyms Chapter Four: 'Masters of their Small Domains'-Local and Imported Traditions of Leadership Chapter Five: 'To Overawe the Li and Lao'-Attempts at Military Conquest Chapter Six: Gold, Silver, Snakes and Slaves: Highland-Lowland Trade Relations Chapter Seven: 'Last of the Bronze Drum Chiefs'-The Rise and Fall of the Great Families Conclusion Glossary Bibliography