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Activity

Create Your Own Tomb Guardian

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Tomb Guardians
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Tomb guardian, one of a pair.
Tomb guardian, one of a pair.
Tomb guardian, one of a pair.
Tomb guardian example.
Detail step of tomb guardian activity.
Tomb guardian, one of a pair.
Tomb guardian, one of a pair. China, Shaanxi province or Henan province. Tang dynasty (618-907). Glazed earthenware. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S155+
Tomb guardian, one of a pair. China, Shaanxi province or Henan province. Tang dynasty (618-907). Glazed earthenware. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S155+
Tomb guardian, one of a pair.
Tomb guardian, one of a pair. China. Tang dynasty (618-907). Earthenware with multicolor glazes. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S52+.
Tomb guardian, one of a pair. China. Tang dynasty (618-907). Earthenware with multicolor glazes. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S52+.
Tomb guardian, one of a pair.
Tomb guardian, one of a pair, approx. 690-750. China. Earthenware with multicolor glazes. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S51+.
Tomb guardian, one of a pair, approx. 690-750. China. Earthenware with multicolor glazes. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S51+.
Tomb guardian example.

Introduction

The entrance to the tomb of a wealthy and highly placed member of the Tang aristocracy was elaborate. Leading to the tomb was a spirit path (shendao) flanked by pairs of stone animals and human attendants. A doorway marked the entrance to the tomb proper, and the path continued, in the form of a ramp, to the burial chamber. Guardians in clay flanked this ramp. These guardian are among the most elaborate.

Ready to make your own?

You can see that there are different types of tomb guardians: human figures and composite animal figures. Now, create your own tomb guardian by downloading “Draw Your Own Tomb Guardian”. Will your guardian have a human form or will it bring together different parts of scary animals?

Remember: Your tomb guardian needs to be strong and fierce to keep unwanted spirits out of your tomb and keep your tomb objects safe.

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