The Sharibao Te Tomb Cluster

Sharibao Te Tomb Cluster

The Sharibao Te Tomb Cluster is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Liao Dynasty Sharibao Te Tomb Cluster is located in Xia Sharizhaite Gacha, Baiyinwendusu, Ar Horqin Banner, Chifeng City. The tomb cluster lies within an area encircled by low hills. Some hills have exposed bedrock, while the middle and lower parts are covered with loess, which has relatively fertile soil and is dotted with sparse shrubs and abundant weeds. The area features typical mountainous and hilly topography and lies within the 400mm precipitation line zone, characterized by a semi-arid climate. In May 2013, the tomb cluster was designated and announced by the State Council as part of the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

The Liao Dynasty Sharibao Te Tomb Cluster is a typical example of late-period (from Emperor Daozong to Emperor Tianzuo, 1055–1125) northern-region Liao tombs. Tombs from this period are characterized by the popularity of polygonal tomb designs, along with a significant number of small rectangular tombs and a few circular ones. During this time, the use of wooden coffins for burial and laying wooden boards on the bier as funerary equipment was common, while wooden tents and stone coffins were rarely seen. Cremation was also prevalent during this period, with ashes placed in small stone coffins, often inscribed with Sanskrit — reflecting Buddhist influences.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units