Funerary animals in the Liangzhou area (Northwest China) during the Han Dynasty

The burial customs of the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) represent a fascinating evolution of ritual practices, building upon the Qin system and giving rise to a distinct funeral culture in Northwest China. One of the most notable features of this culture was the practice of animal burial, a powerful symbol of both the wealth and social hierarchy of the time. Beyond its social and economic implications, animal burial also offered a glimpse into the everyday lives, customs, and dietary habits of the Han people. During this period, the burial of real animals was complemented by the increasingly popular practice of depositing animal figurines, a unique feature of Han funerary rites. This study sets out to explore and dissect the animal burial customs in Liangzhou, a region rich in archaeo­logical data, to provide a deeper understanding of the local funeral culture. By blending findings from archaeo­logical excavations with historical texts, this research paints a vivid picture of the region’s customs, the evolution of its economy, and its cultural exchanges with neighboring areas. Our findings reveal a striking transformation in the practice of animal burial across the Han dynasty. In the Western Han period, it was common to bury real animals, but by the Eastern Han period, this tradition gave way to the deposit of animal figurines. The species chosen for burial underwent a fascinating evolution: in the early Western Han dynasty, cattle, caprine (sheep and goat), and horses were the primary animals represented. However, over time, the range of species broadened to include dogs, chickens, ducks, and even the mythical unicorn. The figurines themselves were predominantly made from wood, with some crafted from talc or pottery – each material choice reflecting different symbolic and practical considerations. The animal burial practices of Liangzhou not only reveals the cultural fusion occurring in the region – where the influences of southern Chu culture, northern Xiongnu (Huns) culture, and the Central Plains all converged – but also relates to the economic landscape of the era. The rise of the manor economy during the Han dynasty is embedded within these burial practices, suggesting a deeper connection between funerary rites and the socioeconomic realities of the time.