Sources
Source 1
“A set of coffins was used for holding the corpse, while an outer coffin contained the set of coffins and funeral objects. The outer coffins of Tombs No.1 and No.3 were well preserved. The outer coffin of Tomb No.1 was composed of a central coffin chamber and four partitions along the four sides. Laid in the central chamber was a set of coffins in four layers. Altogether, 70
planks, measuring about 52 cubic meters of wood, were used for the construction. The construction of the outer coffin of Tomb No.3 was similar to that of Tomb No.1, but it was slightly smaller in size and there was a set of just three coffins. A huge wooden outer coffin containing a magnificent set of coffins bears testimony to the advanced production technology as well as the romantic and mysterious nature of the art and culture of the Western Han
dynasty.”
Source: Hunan Provincial Museum
URL: http://www.hnmuseum.com/hnmuseum/eng/whatson/exhibition/mwd_3.jsp
Year Published: 2006
Evaluation:
This source is a secondary source as it has been written by the Hunan Provincial Museum. It is a reliable source and it explains the arrangement of the multiple tombs Lady Dai was immersed in. It also clarifies the building materials used to construct each tomb and how each one was built similar to the one before, yet gradually getting smaller in size. This source is a very useful
source to any student studying the culture and history of the Han Dynasty as it contains factual information not only about the structure and construction of Lady Dai’s tombs, but how technologically advanced the Chinese were for their time and the remarkable ethos and values of the Han Dynasty.
Source 2
“A set of coffins was used for holding the corpse, while an outer coffin contained the set of coffins and funeral objects. The outer coffins of Tombs No.1 and No.3 were well preserved. The outer coffin of Tomb No.1 was composed of a central coffin chamber and four partitions along the four sides. Laid in the central chamber was a set of coffins in four layers. Altogether, 70
planks, measuring about 52 cubic meters of wood, were used for the construction. The construction of the outer coffin of Tomb No.3 was similar to that of Tomb No.1, but it was slightly smaller in size and there was a set of just three coffins. A huge wooden outer coffin containing a magnificent set of coffins bears testimony to the advanced production technology as well as the romantic and mysterious nature of the art and culture of the Western Han
dynasty.”
Source: Hunan Provincial Museum
URL: http://www.hnmuseum.com/hnmuseum/eng/whatson/exhibition/mwd_3.jsp
Year Published: 2006
Evaluation:
This source is a secondary source as it has been written by the Hunan Provincial Museum. It is a reliable source and it explains the arrangement of the multiple tombs Lady Dai was immersed in. It also clarifies the building materials used to construct each tomb and how each one was built similar to the one before, yet gradually getting smaller in size. This source is a very useful
source to any student studying the culture and history of the Han Dynasty as it contains factual information not only about the structure and construction of Lady Dai’s tombs, but how technologically advanced the Chinese were for their time and the remarkable ethos and values of the Han Dynasty.
Source 2
Source: Hunan Provincial Museum
URL: http://www.hnmuseum.com/hnmuseum/eng/
whatson/exhibition/mwd_2_5.jsp
Published: 2006
Evaluation:
This source is primary source, found placed on top of Lady Dai's coffin. By using dating techniques such as typology on the symbols and craftsmanship of the banner, we are guaranteed its a reliable source from the time period.
The banner was found laid on top of the innermost coffin, which was covered by 5 tonnes of moisture absorbing charcoal, 1 m of clay, and 50 m of earth makes it evident that it has not been tampered with after the tomb was sealed and guarantee its authenticity .
The lower part of the banner illustrates the offerings and ceremonies dedicated to her. The centre of the banner depicts Lady Dai during her journey into the afterlife with her servants. She is pictured with a cane suggesting she needed assistance with walking. The upper part of the banner depicts the heavenly world of immortals. The banner reveals the realms of afterlife as the ancient people imagined it, as well as their religious quest for eternal life. It provides valuable information of the religion practices and beliefs of the Chinese during the early Han Dynasty.
URL: http://www.hnmuseum.com/hnmuseum/eng/
whatson/exhibition/mwd_2_5.jsp
Published: 2006
Evaluation:
This source is primary source, found placed on top of Lady Dai's coffin. By using dating techniques such as typology on the symbols and craftsmanship of the banner, we are guaranteed its a reliable source from the time period.
The banner was found laid on top of the innermost coffin, which was covered by 5 tonnes of moisture absorbing charcoal, 1 m of clay, and 50 m of earth makes it evident that it has not been tampered with after the tomb was sealed and guarantee its authenticity .
The lower part of the banner illustrates the offerings and ceremonies dedicated to her. The centre of the banner depicts Lady Dai during her journey into the afterlife with her servants. She is pictured with a cane suggesting she needed assistance with walking. The upper part of the banner depicts the heavenly world of immortals. The banner reveals the realms of afterlife as the ancient people imagined it, as well as their religious quest for eternal life. It provides valuable information of the religion practices and beliefs of the Chinese during the early Han Dynasty.