Three Elite Burials of the Northern Zhou Period from Guyuan in Ningxia, China

The materials of elite burial complexes the Northern Zhou period (557–581) discovered in 1980–1990s vicinity Guyuan City Ningxia-Hui Autonomous Region China are analyzed this article. Due to epitaphs engraved on stone slabs found inside tombs, names buried individuals and exact dates known: tombs belong high-ranking officials Zhou: Yuwen Meng (565), Li Xian (569) Tian Hong (574). under consideration demonstrate a high degree unification funeral rite, which is manifested similarity tomb structures, decor accompanying grave goods. features architectural structures goods these burials continue traditions previous periods Sixteen Barbarian States Wei. With general synchronous Qi (550– 577), allow distinguish specific funerary practice: absence porcelain items, use ritual nephrites, secular nature mural paintings. Against background prevailing influence Chinese-Han tradition, there signs steppe (probably Xianbei) memorial rituals. Prestigious items imported from Iran, Central Asia, Byzantium testify significant role contacts along Silk Road economical cultural development Zhou. Despite available data written epigraphic sources, problem identifying ethnicity has not yet been resolved. However, version their non-Chinese origin seems be most probable.