The Origin of Yinxu Chariots

Abstract

Purpose. During the period of Alakul and Srubnaya cultures, light chariots drawn by one horse spread eastward following the Indo-Europeans’ migrations. In the second period of Yinxu culture domestic horses and chariots initially appeared in the Central Plain region. The comparative study of horse harness and chariot fittings from different regions allows to trace the routes of cross-cultural contacts in the Eurasian Steppe in the Bronze Age. Materials. The article focuses on the cheek-pieces (psalia) found in Yinxu (Anyang, Henan Province, China) and their analogues from the Eurasian Steppe. The earliest Chinese cheek-pieces were found in Yinxu, along with the earliest chariots. Most of the Yinxu cheek-pieces were square and dated back to the 2nd-4th periods of Yinxu culture. In some cases the cheek-pieces were accompanied by spiked plates attached to their inner side that enhanced the strict control over movements of a horse. Analogous cheek-pieces were unearthed at the sites of Sintashta, Petrovka, Alakul and Srubnaya cultures (a total of 260 items). They evolved from the earliest square cheek-pieces of Sintashta culture to narrow rectangular ones in Alakul and Srubnaya cultures. Results. The research demonstrates that square Yin cheek-pieces were presumably borrowed from Alakul and Srubnaya cultures. They were probably introduced to Yinxu culture at the same time as chariots. Therefore, we assume that wheeled vehicles were also borrowed from the Eurasian Steppe region during the time of Alakul and Srubnaya cultures. Nevertheless, the probability of the square cheek-pieces being borrowed from Fedorovo culture cannot be excluded either. Conclusion. Archaeological data prove that extensive cultural contacts between the eastern and western parts of Eurasia existed circa 13th century BC. The introduction of chariots into East Asia was just one of the manifestations of this phenomenon.