Final answer:
Physical evidence of social ranking in archaeological contexts can be found in burial practices, such as the disparities in grave goods in ancient societies like Catal Huyuk and the Yangshao culture, and practices like cranial boarding which signify social status.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of physical evidence of social ranking in archaeological contexts that highlights social stratification is the variation in burial practices and grave goods. In ancient societies such as the Neolithic community at Catal Huyuk, the differentiation in burial contents, with some individuals interred with jewelry and wealth while others with next to nothing, suggests the presence of social hierarchy. Likewise, the comparison between the uniform burials of the Yangshao culture and the later Longshan culture, where social differentiation is illustrated by the varying grave sizes and richness of burial goods, evidences the development of social stratification over time.
Bioarchaeology also provides insights into social ranking through the study of skeletal remains, noting practices such as cranial boarding among infants, which might signify social status within a community. The physical transformation of skulls was a cultural practice that could indicate an individual's social identity and position within their society. Furthermore, the very existence of stratified societies is corroborated by the construction of defensive structures and the development of leadership roles to manage these, as seen in the rammed-earth walls of the Yellow River area villages.