Reflections on water
Funerary practice and symbolism at the Bronze Age site of Xiaohe
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6012905 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Gino Caspari (0000-0002-0944-5095, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 87-95 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-15 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Asian Archaeology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2520-8098 • E-ISSN: 2520-8101 |
| Publisher | Springer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s41826-025-00105-2 |
| OpenAlex | W4410407549 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 23 |
The Bronze Age Xiaohe site allows for detailed archaeological analysis of funerary practices due to exceptional organic preservation in a hyperarid environment. Burials feature boat-shaped coffins, cattle skulls and hides, and grave markers resembling paddles and mooring posts. Material remains and environmental data indicate a deep cultural connection to water. The intentional inversion of burial elements suggests a conceptualization of an otherworld as a mirrored realm of the living. This article revisits early interpretations of Xiaohe burial practice and underscores the importance of considering symbols within broader cultural and environmental contexts, while providing interpretations rooted in data
Archaeology · Bronze · Bronze Age · Geography · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies
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Proteomics evidence for kefir dairy in Early Bronze Age China
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A new hypothesis for early Bronze Age cultural diversity in Xinjiang, China
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Ancient plant use and palaeoenvironmental analysis at the Gumugou Cemetery, Xinjiang, China
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |