Sacrifice,Transformation,and Postmortem Homeland:Constructing Ritual Space in Western-Jin Pictorial Tombs at Buddha Temple Bay,Dunhuang
The pictorial tombs at Buddha Temple Bay in Dunhuang dated to the Western Jin period,demonstrates a multi-layered ritual space through the interaction of funerary assemblage,image and space.The burial chamber was firstly designed as a space for sacrifice,mainly expressed by a set of offering vessels and the spirit seat,which was shaped by curtains,the depiction of curtains and an altar.Secondly,a set of burial goods placed on top of the coffins was supposed to facilitate a postmortem transformation to the afterlife by following the vessels used in funerals as recorded in pre-imperial ritual texts.The tomb was also constructed as an eternal homeland with ample food and servants,which was achieved by the depictions of grain-collection scenes,cooking space and figurines of servants.Through the reconstruction of ritual space in these tombs,this study also reveals that during Western Jin,Dunhuang followed the funerary practices and beliefs of the pre-imperial and Qin-Han periods,but with local features and modifications.It was associated with the regional context of Dunhuang that embraced large numbers of immigrants from the Central Plains.
万方数据
维普
