The Xiongnu and their connections beyond the Steppes: Discovering signs of complex connectivity within Xiongnu terrace tombs

The Xiongnu have long been disregarded, thinking that they played no active part within world history. This thesis aims to shed light on Xiongnu trade and its cultural impact on their culture by means of three detailed case studies, which are placed against a theoretical background that involves globalization theory. These case studies focus on one material group (textile, metal or lacquerware) and a burial mound from a different cemetery each (Noyon Uul, Gol Mod 2, Tsaraam Valley), in order to approach the following big questions: To which degree was trade present between the Xiongnu and other cultures and how that is reflected in their material culture? How large an influence are the Chinese dynasties on Xiongnu culture? Did the local Xiongnu culture remain standing despite influences from the outside? The first case study, following a chapter discussing globalization theory and its application itself, examines textile finds from mound 22 of Noyon Uul. The designs, materials and...Show moreThe Xiongnu have long been disregarded, thinking that they played no active part within world history. This thesis aims to shed light on Xiongnu trade and its cultural impact on their culture by means of three detailed case studies, which are placed against a theoretical background that involves globalization theory. These case studies focus on one material group (textile, metal or lacquerware) and a burial mound from a different cemetery each (Noyon Uul, Gol Mod 2, Tsaraam Valley), in order to approach the following big questions: To which degree was trade present between the Xiongnu and other cultures and how that is reflected in their material culture? How large an influence are the Chinese dynasties on Xiongnu culture? Did the local Xiongnu culture remain standing despite influences from the outside? The first case study, following a chapter discussing globalization theory and its application itself, examines textile finds from mound 22 of Noyon Uul. The designs, materials and dyes will be analysed, resulting in data that reveals foreign origin of whole objects or some of the raw materials. The second case study comprises of an analysis of the metal finds found within mound 1 of the Gol Mod 2 cemetery. These metal finds all stem from Han style chariots, though the production techniques of the metal (iron and bronze) show that these chariot components were likely locally made by Xiongnu peoples instead. Lastly, the third case study concerns a lacquer box retrieved from mound 7 of the Tsaraam Valley. This lacquer box bears a Chinese inscription and shows other signs of being a product made with diplomatic purposes in mind as well. The chapter following the case studies discusses what implications the findings of the case studies actually have in regard to globalisation and trade. The textiles and the metal finds reveal that foreign elements have been adopted and sometimes have been adapted to fit Xiongnu culture better. The lacquer box reinforces the idea that the Xiongnu received goods from the Chinese in accordance with treaties between the two empires. Though the overall scale of this research is rather small, it provides a nice picture of how dynamic trade on the steppes likely has been, which contrasts the old notion that the Xiongnu were passive barbarians that slowly Sinicized.Show less

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The Xiongnu and their connections beyond the Steppes: Discovering signs of complex connectivity within Xiongnu terrace tombs