The Yi'nan tomb: Narrative and ritual in pictorial art of the Eastern Han (25-220 C.E.)

This dissertation investigates the pictorial narrative of relief carvings in a second century C.E. Chinese tomb. Among the issues addressed are the relationship of pictorial narrative and ritual practice, and how the space of the tomb conveys narrative meaning. I find a dynamic space of shifting positions in which the imagery is not aimed at one ideal observer, but at two kinds of ideal observers--the living mourner as s/he enters the tomb from the south and the deceased male and female located in the rear chamber. Thus it is concluded that the pictorial narrative represents the process of forging an unbroken relationship of mutual benefit between the living and the dead and establishing a sacred center.; The public reception of the monument's imagery is also considered. It is argued that the imagery, especially representations of cultural heroes, may have been viewed differently depending on the viewers' status, education and ability to read. Such figures are usually identified with the moral and behavioural codes sanctified by the state. However, the mode of representation and placement in the tomb evoke powers of supernatural protection associated with their local cult status. This points up the dual role of the male occupant of the tomb, a member of the provincial elite: he is charged with both disseminating the ideology of the state and accomodating or co-opting the local cults.; Finally, the pictorial narrative is considered from the perspective of its function within the larger context of the burial ground and ritual performance. It is argued that the narrative structure parallels the mourner's progress as s/he enters and then exits the tomb, and that scenes of funerary rites may have had a votive function. Also examined is the role of the artisan and ritual performance in consecrating the tomb and imbuing the bas-reliefs with magical powers of protection and transformation.