Compilation And Research On The Data Of Unicorn Excavated From Han And Jin Tombs In Hexi Region

Unicorns are a kind of common funerary objects in Han and Jin tombs.At present,the earliest unicorn found in Hexi area was unearthed in Mozizi West Han Tomb in Wuwei,and later,it was found in tombs of Wei and Jin Dynasties in Jiayuguan at the latest.In the Eastern Han Dynasty,dozens of unicorns were unearthed,reaching the peak of development.In the Wei and Jin Dynasties,only six unicorns were unearthed.After the Wei and Jin Dynasties,unicorns were rarely found in tombs.Unicorns excavated from Han and Jin tombs in Hexi area are collected.By means of classification and comparison,the types and characteristics of unicorns in different periods are summarized,and the prototype and development process of unicorns in Hexi area in Han and Jin period are explored.The shapes and materials of unicorns are different in different periods.In the Han and Han Dynasties,the unicorns were mainly carved in wood and bronze.In the Wei and Jin Dynasties,a new way of making unicorns was added on the basis of the Han Dynasty,that is,unicorns were painted on stone sculptures in mural tombs with pigments.Through comparative study with the unicorns unearthed in Shaanxi,Henan,Inner Mongolia and Shandong at the same period,it is found that there are differences in the image,production method and function of unicorns in different regions.By comparing with the image of unicorn seen in the tombs of the same period in the Eurasian steppe,it is found that Chinese and Western cultures communicate and collide through the road of the Eurasian steppe.Through the above comparison,it is found that the unicorns excavated from the tombs of Han and Jin Dynasties in Hexi area not only reflect the cultural factors of nomadic peoples in the Eurasian steppe,but also reflect the local concept.Unicorns are endowed with the ability to exorcize evil spirits and guide the ascension of immortals.The features of unicorns,their body shapes and the placement of tombs all reflect the cultural concepts of people in the Han and Jin dynasties in Hexi area,helping us to have a deeper understanding of the history,culture and social life in the Han and Jin Dynasties in Hexi area.