Eastern Han Dynasty Mural Tomb in Helinge’er

Eastern Han Dynasty Mural Tomb in Helinge’er

The Eastern Han Dynasty Mural Tomb in Helinge’er is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Murals in the Han Tomb of Helinge’er

The Eastern Han Tomb in Helinge’er is located on an earthen hill in Xindianzi Township, Helinge’er County, Ulanqab League. The tomb is divided into three main chambers—front, middle, and rear—as well as three side chambers, stretching approximately 20 meters in total length. There are over 50 murals and more than 250 inscribed titles on the tomb walls, ceiling, and both sides of the passageway. These are the most inscribed titles found in any Han Dynasty mural unearthed in China to date. These murals vividly reflect the class relations, ethnic relations, and social life of the multi-ethnic regions of northern China during the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Based on the content of the murals and the inscribed titles, the tomb owner was the highest-ranking official—a Colonel Who Guards the Wuhuan and Holds a Jade Tally—dispatched by the Eastern Han court to the region inhabited by multiple ethnic groups in the north.

The mural content includes depictions of the deceased’s official career, as well as procession scenes of horse-drawn carriages during various promotions; illustrations of the cities and government offices where the deceased held office; portrayals of the ruling class’s lifestyle, such as banquets, dances, musical performances, and acrobatics; scenes reflecting social production activities during the Eastern Han Dynasty, such as farming, manor life, horse herding, and cattle grazing; and snapshots of daily life at the time, including the attire, hairstyles, and facial features of ethnic minorities, as well as auspicious images and stories of sages, loyal officials, filial sons, and chaste women.

Further reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units