Investigation And Research On History And Current Status Of Sarcophagus Burial Of Miao Nationality In Guizhou

Guizhou is a place where the minorities inhabit.Cross-ethnic communication forms multi-ethnic culture.As a special burial of minorities,the sarcophagus burial has different geographical and cultural characteristics in different regions.During the process of acceleration of civilization and changes of cultures,most cultures fall into oblivion in the river of hostory.However,the Miao nationality in Guizhou still maintains their own national characteristics and the custom of using the sarcophagus as the coffin is inherited.The unique sarcophagus burial of the Miao nationality is the product of the influence of karst formationin Guizhou.Under the influence of such environment,the sarcophagus burial of the Miao nationality in Guizhou presents national,regional and unique characteristics.The unique sarcophagus burial is not only the embodiment of spirit and religion of the Miao nationality's ancestors,but also the symbol of cultural inheritance and ethnic identity.It is rare that Miao nationalities in some regions of Guizhou still maintain the custom of the sarcophagus burial.This is of much significance in the academic history,and it would be also the living fossil to research the burial cultures of minorities and provide the actual basis for the research on the sarcophagus burial.In the academic circle,the research on the sarcophagus burial in Guizhou is not enough.Firstly,few scholars pay attention to this research.Secondly,the research contents mostly involve the shape and structure of tombs,the burial objects and the ethnic group.Finally,the research method emphasizes archaeology and pay less attention to the field investigation.Given this,by studying individual cases,combining the former archaeological findings and local literatures,and utilizing the field investigation and cultural anthropology and other theoretical knowledge,this paper mainly discusses the evolution process of the history of the sarcophagus burial culture of the Miao nationality in Guizhou,grasps its current status and makes comparable analysis.The analysis shows the sarcophagus burial of the Miao nationality in Giuzhou is not only the product of the influence of karst formation,but also the result of cross-ethnic communication.Its existence is a reflection of the rational utilization and protection of ecological environment of the Miao nationality.It inherits the national culture,and also conveys its ecological values.