Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a noblewoman from imperial china who was buried with the remains of a donkey so that she could keep playing polo in the afterlife.
The discovery, published in Antiquity, provides the first physical evidence of donkey polo in Imperial China, which has only previously been known from historical texts. It also sheds light on the role of donkeys in the lives of high-status women of that period.
A team from several major Chinese institutions made the discovery whilst analysing the tomb of Cui Shi, a noblewoman who died in 878AD in Xi’an. Cui Shi’s tomb was first excavated in 2012, located in Chang’an, capital of the Tang dynasty during the 9th century.
The tomb’s brick chambers were heavily looted, however, the seemingly worthless animal bones were left scatted across the tomb floor. Looters also left behind items considered of little value, such as a stirrup and stone epitaph which identified the tomb belonging to Cui Shi.
Professor Marshall, a donkey expert from Washington University said:
“Historical documents showed that ladies of the late Tang court loved to play donkey polo. Donkeys are hardy and strong animals as well as gentle, and fill a really important role in everyday life for small farmers and traders carrying loads in many parts of the world.
They are also often considered household and women’s animals because they help to bring in water and firewood and to carry children. But donkeys have seldom been used for display and sports like horses. This find shows that donkeys have also had a place as high status rather than humble animals.”
Header Image Credit : Antiquity Journal
