Scientific methods
Scientific Methods used and Forensic Analysis:
At the time she was found, the remains of Lady Dai were so well preserved that her skin was moist and elastic; there was blood in her veins and 138 undigested melon seeds were found still in her stomach. Due to this Dr.Peng LongXiang, Dr. Cao Meihong and other pathologists/ surgeons from Hunan Provincial Medical Institute were able to perform a full body check-up, CT scan, X-ray, gynaecological examination and an autopsy. The autopsy performed detected many parasites inside her, such as tapeworms. It was also discovered that along with the numerous illnesses she suffered from, Lady Dai had gallstones, one of which clogged her bile duct and is believed to have triggered the heart attack she died from.
At the time she was found, the remains of Lady Dai were so well preserved that her skin was moist and elastic; there was blood in her veins and 138 undigested melon seeds were found still in her stomach. Due to this Dr.Peng LongXiang, Dr. Cao Meihong and other pathologists/ surgeons from Hunan Provincial Medical Institute were able to perform a full body check-up, CT scan, X-ray, gynaecological examination and an autopsy. The autopsy performed detected many parasites inside her, such as tapeworms. It was also discovered that along with the numerous illnesses she suffered from, Lady Dai had gallstones, one of which clogged her bile duct and is believed to have triggered the heart attack she died from.
The autopsy performed on Lady Dai's remains
(http://archive.archaeology.org/online/features/mawangdui/)
(http://archive.archaeology.org/online/features/mawangdui/)
Throughout the examination of her body, a lustrous liquid of reddish/ brown colour was found around the corpse even though there was no embalming process in Ancient China. Scientists believe that this unknown solution may be the key to her body remaining in excellent condition. The liquid is believed to have caused a three month rash on the pathologists and surgeons examining her remains. After running tests on this liquid which is often referred to as the 'Elixir of Immortality’, it was discovered to be acidic and contains salt and magnesium. The fluid still remains a mystery to archaeologists who have not been able to detect all substances present and no modern scientific methods have been able to reveal what it is.
Scientific Dating:
Although there is no record of any scientific dating techniques used to date the body of Lady Dai, it is estimated that she passed away around the first year of the reign of Emperor Wen in the Han Dynasty when she was roughly 50 years old, making her around 2100 years old. The use of typology and seriation of artefacts found in her tomb would of contributed to this estimation.
Scientific Dating:
Although there is no record of any scientific dating techniques used to date the body of Lady Dai, it is estimated that she passed away around the first year of the reign of Emperor Wen in the Han Dynasty when she was roughly 50 years old, making her around 2100 years old. The use of typology and seriation of artefacts found in her tomb would of contributed to this estimation.
What has been learnt about the past:
The Han dynasty is considered to be the foundation of Chinese culture and Lady Dai, along with the artefacts found in her tomb have helped archaeologists unravel many mysteries of Ancient China. The autopsy performed identified that she had many illnesses which allowed historians to understand the diseases present during the Han dynasty. The melon seeds and other traces of food found in her oesophagus and stomach gave an indication of the variety of food she ate. Grains, vegetations, fruit, pastries , meats and wine were also found in her tomb. The funeral object list recorded over 150 types of food in total, all of which play a major part in the study of agriculture and food culture of the early Han Dynasty.
The following things are just a few of the many well-appointed items found in her tomb:
The Han dynasty is considered to be the foundation of Chinese culture and Lady Dai, along with the artefacts found in her tomb have helped archaeologists unravel many mysteries of Ancient China. The autopsy performed identified that she had many illnesses which allowed historians to understand the diseases present during the Han dynasty. The melon seeds and other traces of food found in her oesophagus and stomach gave an indication of the variety of food she ate. Grains, vegetations, fruit, pastries , meats and wine were also found in her tomb. The funeral object list recorded over 150 types of food in total, all of which play a major part in the study of agriculture and food culture of the early Han Dynasty.
The following things are just a few of the many well-appointed items found in her tomb:
Lacquered cups:
The largest collection of these cups were found in the midst of the several tombs that Lady Dai was encased in and with the help of texts found from the Han dynasty; archaeologists were able to discover that each cup created would cost ten times more than a bronze cup and the effort of one hundred men to make. It was later found that the raw lacquer used was extremely toxic and could kill or distort those who were not working with it carefully.
Source: www.darkwing.uoregon.edu
The largest collection of these cups were found in the midst of the several tombs that Lady Dai was encased in and with the help of texts found from the Han dynasty; archaeologists were able to discover that each cup created would cost ten times more than a bronze cup and the effort of one hundred men to make. It was later found that the raw lacquer used was extremely toxic and could kill or distort those who were not working with it carefully.
Source: www.darkwing.uoregon.edu
Hair pieces:
Lady Dai used two hair pieces to hold her thin hair behind her head in a bun. One piece was for scrubbing her scalp while the other was for brushing and untangling any knots in the hair.
Source: http://goldsea.com/Text/index.php?id=2568
Lady Dai used two hair pieces to hold her thin hair behind her head in a bun. One piece was for scrubbing her scalp while the other was for brushing and untangling any knots in the hair.
Source: http://goldsea.com/Text/index.php?id=2568
Found on top of the inner most tomb and had several paintings of Lady Dai including one of her ascending into heaven with a cane and another of her with food and drink in the company of her descendants. It is believed to be the earliest portrait in the history of Chinese art. Through this banner, we can learn a lot about the Chinese religion during the time that Lady Dai lived.
Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/han-dynasty-1
Make-up:
Lady Dai's makeup set was found in her tomb and gives archaeologists and history students, an insight into how make-up (packaging and contents) has evolved since the earliest dynasties of China.
Source: www.archive.archaeology.org
Lady Dai's makeup set was found in her tomb and gives archaeologists and history students, an insight into how make-up (packaging and contents) has evolved since the earliest dynasties of China.
Source: www.archive.archaeology.org
Tomb Musicians:
These wooden figurines were placed in tombs to entertain the 'tomb holder' in the afterlife.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com
These wooden figurines were placed in tombs to entertain the 'tomb holder' in the afterlife.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com
Chinese Herbal Medicines:
A range of Chinese Herbal Medicines were found some of which are still used in China today.
Source: http://www.hnmuseum.com/hnmuseum/
eng/whatson/exhibition/mwd_2_2.jsp
A range of Chinese Herbal Medicines were found some of which are still used in China today.
Source: http://www.hnmuseum.com/hnmuseum/
eng/whatson/exhibition/mwd_2_2.jsp