Animal-shaped Helmets of the Tang Dynasty: Cultural Heritage in Chinese Military History
Keywords:
Tang Dynasty Art; Animal-Shaped Helmets; Military Uniform CultureAbstract
This study examines animal-shaped helmets of the Tang Dynasty as a distinctive component of Chinese military material culture. While international scholarship has discussed animal-decorated helmets in diverse cultural traditions such as Greek boar's-tusk helmets, Celtic swan helmets, Germanic boar-crested helmets, and Renaissance parade helmets, systematic research on Tang examples remains limited. To address this gap, the present study integrates morphological analysis of 24 excavated warrior figurines with textual examination of official histories and archaeological reports to clarify their historical terminology, structural features, and cultural significance. Using NVivo software, key morphological elements including eyes, ears, muzzle, and crest were coded to establish typological relationships among the tiger, lion, and bear prototypes. The analysis identifies three structural types of helmets (open front, cloak-style, and slip-on), each associated with specific symbolic functions and ritual contexts. Textual evidence further confirms "Maotou" as the overarching historical term, with Hushi Fu (Tiger Helmets), Bear-skin Crown (Bear Helmets), and Lion Helmets representing distinct subtypes linked to rank, protective symbolism, and ceremonial authority. By combining artifact morphology with historical semantics, this study clarifies how animal imagery was translated into material forms that embodied power, spiritual protection, and elite identity within the Tang military uniform system. Methodologically, it demonstrates the utility of NVivo-based feature coding for the analysis of ancient armor and provides a reference framework for future digital conservation and visualization of early Chinese military heritage.
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