Burial Complexes of the Sixteen Barbarian States Period in Hexi Corridor: Local and Chronological Specifics

Abstract

Purpose. The objectives of the study are to present the most important burial complexes of the Sixteen Kingdoms period, known to date on the territory of the Hexi Corridor, to highlight the main characteristics of the funeral rite and accompanying grave goods and to trace their evolution, to identify data reflecting the processes of cross-cultural interactions in the northwestern regions China of the early Middle Ages.

Results. The most important archaeological sites are the Xindiantai, Qijiawan, Jinjiliang and Dingjiazha burial grounds. Single-chamber tombs were most widespread, the accompanying goods were represented mainly by ceramic vessels. Images of representatives of various ethnic groups on tomb murals indicate the multi-ethnic composition of the population. An important source of information about the spiritual culture of the inhabitants of the Hexi oases are epigraphic (apotropaic inscriptions on ceramic vessels) and pictorial materials (murals of tomb M5 in Dingjiazha).

Conclusion. It has been established that during this period, in general, the main features of the funeral rite of previous epochs – Cao Wei and Western Jin – were preserved. At the same time, there was a tendency towards further simplification of tomb structures, a reduction in the composition and a decrease in the quality of the accompanying grave goods. Despite the active penetration of Buddhism into the region, manifestations of its influence on funeral rituals at that time were limited to isolated cases. The ideological basis of funeral rituals and funerary art were elements of Taoist religion and folk religious beliefs.