The Meaning and Origin of Xiongnu Lamps Found in Tombs

This paper reclassifies 40 oil lamps excavated from Xiongnu tombs based on their material and form. Based on this classification, the study analyzes the changes in lamp types in tombs with confirmed dates, revealing a trend from recycled type and bronze bean-shaped lamps → cup-shaped and iron bean-shaped lamps → plate-shaped and bronze plate-shaped lamps. Additionally, an analysis of the relationship between the lamps, excavation sites, and tomb structures reveals that the lamps found in Xiongnu tombs were primarily associated with semi-nomadic groups, suggesting that lamp use was more prevalent in semi-nomadic lifestyles than in fully nomadic ones. In aristocratic rectangular tombs, bean-shaped and plate-type lamps are predominantly found, whereas cup-shaped and recycled-type lamps are more common in the round tombs of ordinary individuals. This pattern indicates a clear correlation between lamp forms and social status. To explore the origin of Xiongnu lamps, a comparison was made with lamps from Scythian and Han dynasty tombs. No direct similarities were found between Scythian and Xiongnu lamps. However, certain vessels from Scythian sites resembled the shape of cup-shaped and recycled type lamps. A comparison with Han dynasty lamps revealed that while Xiongnu plate-type lamps were similar in form, they were simpler and lacked additional components, suggesting they were locally produced. Furthermore, while the bronze lamps from the Xiongnu and Han periods are similar in form, they show differences in alloy composition, suggesting that the lamps may have been imported from Han China to the Xiongnu, but with modifications made according to local conditions. The iron lamps found in both Han and Xiongnu tombs do not show direct similarities in form.