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MAIASP. 2021. No. 13
P.I. Shulga (Novosibirsk, Russia), D.P. Shulga
(Novosibirsk, Russia)
New materials on
sacrificial animals in Yanglang Culture burials of the 5th — 3rd cc. BCE (China)
DOI: 10.53737/2713-2021.2021.93.37.011
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Pages: 453—466
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This
article focuses on the analysis of the sacrificial animals remains in burials
of the 5th — 3rd ññ. BCE of the Yanglang
Culture Wangdahu burial ground identified with the Western Rongs who lived on the
Qin kingdom western borders. As a rule, Eurasia Cattle breeders placed one or
two parts or livestock carcasses in ordinary burials. In contrast to them, in
the Yanglang Culture in one person ordinary burial
up to 30, 50 or more skulls of all major livestock species (horses, cattle,
sheep and goats) could be placed. In the analysis of sacrificial animals from
the Yanglang Culture burial grounds detailed
description, the authors came to the conclusion that in a number of burials
the composition of animal species and their ratio fully correspond to the Central Asia nomads’ herd averaged data. Apparently,
the burial grounds organizers were sent real herd to the other world with the
dead people or recruited animals for slaughter keeping the proportions known to
them. The proportion of horses is much higher in the chariot warriors` burials which is associated with the deceased special
status. As it turned out, even 1—3 years old children could have such status
during burial in Wangdahu. Foals and votive weapons
full set were placed in such burials. All of this suggests the chariot
warrior’s high status which was established in the funeral rite. The
maintenance and training of chariot horses large
number, the horses and chariot warriors equipment manufacturing required the
state structures participation. It is no coincidence that the number of
chariots served as a state power yardstick in ancient China. All
these preliminary observations and conclusions are consistent with indirect
information from Chinese historical sources about the developed horse
breeding among the Western Rongs,
their special relationship with the Qin kingdom and possibly the early state
formation existence among them.
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Key words: Northern
China, Scythian time, Yanglang
Culture, Western rong, burial rite, sacrificial
animals, nomads’ herd composition, burials of chariot warriors.
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