Northwest China / Bow-shaped fitting / 13th?10th century B.C.

Northwest China
Bow-shaped fitting
13th?10th century B.C.
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Creator Nationality: Asian; Far East Asian; Chinese; Northwest Chinese
Creator Name-CRT: Northwest China
Title: Bow-shaped fitting
View: Principal view
Creation Start Date: 0
Creation End Date: 0
Creation Date: 13th?10th century B.C.
Creation Place: Northwest China
Object Type: Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Materials and Techniques: bronze
Dimensions: 14 1/8 x 3 1/2 in. (35.9 x 8.9 cm)
Description:

Often described as "bow-shaped ," and thought to have been associated with chariotry, this fitting has a hollow central section with curved arms ending in rattles. Fittings of this type first appear in China with the introduction of wheeled vehicles in the thirteenth century B.C., and are not found there after the tenth century B.C. Comparable pieces, which have arched arms but lack rattles, are also found at early Karasuk-period sites (?12th??10th century B.C.) in southern Siberia.

In Chinese burials, they are generally found in pairs near the chariot box in front of the charioteer. In southern Siberia, on the other hand, the fittings cover the deceased's pelvis. Their function remains unclear: they have been identified as bow-guards, crossbow fittings, and banner ornaments. It has also been suggested that they were either rein-holders, worn by a charioteer at his waist to free his hands, or rein-guards attached in some fashion to the front of the chariot.

AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York
ID Number: 26.203.2
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Edward S. Harkness, 1926
Copyright: Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art . All rights reserved.
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/education/er_photo_lib.asp
AMICA ID: MMA_.26.203.2
AMICA Library Year: 2002
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright (c) 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All Rights Reserved

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