Funerary Statuette: Bird Trainer
Location
Era
Six Dynasties (220-589 C.E.)
Title
Funerary Statuette: Bird Trainer
Date
5th-6th c. C.E.
Materials
Grey earthenware, traces of paint and white slip
Dimensions
17.1 x 13.8 x 9.5 cm
Credits
Purchase, inv. 1936.Ed.3
Collection
Archeology and World Cultures
Falconers and other trainers of birds were often depicted as foreigners; here, the beard, prominent nose and rounded cap all suggest that a Central Asian is represented. The use of birds of prey in the hunt originally came to China during the Han period, through contact with the pastoral nomads who inhabited the northern steppes – hence the exotic affiliation.
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