Study On Harness Ornament In The Liao Dynasty

Bridles and saddles are two kinds of tools used by human to realize the control of the horses.Khitan is a nomad tribe which keeps a intimate relationship with horses.They control horses through handing brides and make their lives through controlling saddles.Therefore,their harnesses are full-functioned and harness ornaments are gorgeous.The Khitans love horses,they even bring their love to the harnesses and ornaments.There are not any nations in the history which love horses like Khitans.Therefore,the harnesses and harness ornaments in Liao dynasty are very exquisite in workmanship,rich in connotation,and highly-valued in research.Based on the archaeological discovery of harnesses and harness ornaments in the Liao dynasty,and the harness ornament figures in murals and paintings in the Liao dynasty,this thesis focuses on analzing the types of harnesses and harness ornaments,also analyzing the craftsmanship of harness ornaments in the Liao dynasty.The most important part of this thesis is to analyze the cultural factors of harness ornaments in the Liao dynasty.Studying on harness ornaments in the Liao dynasty is to make a better understanding of the Khitans social customs and social development,and then enrich the study on Kitans history and the culture of the Liao dynasty.