In Han dynasty tombs,ram's head reliefs are often found decorating the lintels of tomb gates.These reliefs first appeared in the late Western Han period.From the mid to late Eastern Han period onwards,ram's head reliefs with halters became prevalent in Shandong and surrounding regions,symbolizing riding on rams and ram-drawn carriages.The use of ram's head reliefs on tomb gates is linked to the Han custom of hanging ram heads on doors.By comparing tomb gate ram's head reliefs with freestanding stone ram sculptures,images of riding on rams,and ram-drawn carriages,it can be concluded that these reliefs symbolically represent immortals riding on rams.The ram's head reliefs on tomb gates not only convey auspicious and protective meanings but also express the contemporary belief in immortality.
ram's head reliefriding on ramswarding off evilascension to immortality
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
