Ancient Tomb Attendants & Offerings

A large number of attendants have been found in ancient tombs from different cultures, such as Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Chinese. They are indicative of the ancient belief that assistance is required to traverse the trials and tribulations of the afterlife. As in life, attendant figures are depicted as standing by to fulfil the desires and needs of the deceased – popular choices were warriors, dancers, male and female figures and animals. In ancient Chinese culture, Tang Dynasty tomb figures are known as mingqi (冥器) and were often coated in Sancai glaze to help the paint survive longer.