The Hanging Coffins Of China
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Hanging Coffins Of China

The remnants of the Bo people's culture

71
The Hanging Coffins Of China
nadja

Hanging and resting on the sides of a mountain, lies the mysterious hanging coffins of China. These hanging coffins were found on sides of mountains and maintained on top by wooden stakes. These coffins were constructed by the Bo people, who were an ethnic minority that existed in China before being killed by the Ming army.

The Bo people once thrived and lived in southern China. They lived in the Sichuan and Yunnan province. Information about the Bo people is limited due to the fact that they were killed by the Ming dynasty armies. The reason behind the ruthless killings is simply a result of oppression by the Ming dynasty. They were one of the minorities within the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces that were killed. Their remaining history and culture they have left for us are their hanging coffins. These hanging coffins are made from wood such as Namnu wood and other material. Some coffins were found inside caves.

Speculation as to why they hanged coffins were from the writing from a Li Jing, who wrote this during the Yuan dynasty " ‘Coffins set high are auspicious. The higher they are the more propitious for the dead. And those whose coffins fell to the ground sooner were considered to be more fortunate’. This suggests that the Bo people raised the coffins high so they can reach heaven better. Fortunately, they did leave behind paintings on rocks and cliffs, that described their culture, politics, economic and lifestyle.

Another interesting thing is that artifacts like bronze vessels, weapons, pottery, wood, stone, silk, blue and white porcelain. The continuing debate is how they managed to place the coffins on cliffs and the mountains. Three main theories are that they constructed ramps to move the coffins up the mountains but, this seems unlikely as evidence points out that it's not possible. Due to the massive amount of manual labor needed to achieve this compared to the small population the Bo people had. Another theory is that the Bo people used a scaffold-like construction with the stakes as a way to climb and reach the heigh to place the coffins. This theory is not plausible as no evidence was found to support this. The third and most likely theory is that the Bo people used a pulley-like system involving ropes to hoist them in the air and lower them. This rope theory has evidence as ropes were found near the coffins within the cave. The current belief is either that they pulled and used a rope to descend and lift them. Today the coffins are being repaired and taken account as how much coffins have been found. This is being done to preserve the coffins and the culture the Bo people left behind.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52782
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33913
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956609
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181423
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments