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Bohai burials in China: general characteristics and funeral rite

https://doi.org/10.21285/2415-8739-2023-4-73-92

EDN: HMLMMX

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Abstract

More than twenty Bohai cemeteries have been discovered in China, and almost a thousand of burials have been researched. A significant number of excavated burials allows us to consider in sufficient detail and comprehensively their general characteristics. They usually consist of a grave pit and a mound, based on building materials and forms, can be divided into 3 groups and 6 types, according to the research of Vei Tsun’chen; sometimes grave structures were built on the mounds, which differ in size and design. Most of the burials are in the valleys of four basins of large rivers (five districts), in which they are concentrated and have obvious regional characteristic, which show the process of development of Bohai burials and features of different stages. Funeral traditions of Bohai are also different. Different cultures influenced the development of forms and traditions of Bohai burials, at first the influence of Mohe cultural was prevailed, and the features of Goguryeo and other local cultures are also obvious, with the development of the state, the influence of Tang dynasty became stronger. The characteristics of burials of different ranks are different. The graves of members of the royal house and the aristocracy are important objects of Bohai studies in China, changes of their location, layout and shape show not only the development of culture, but also the political conjuncture of Bohai state. The distribution structure of the Bohai cemeteries and other sites help to consider the process of changes in the administrative division system and political circumstances of Bohai State.

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ISSN 2415-8739 (Print)
ISSN 2500-1566 (Online)