Sacred Mediators of the Xirong: Ritual Specialists and Cosmological Power in the Majiayuan Cemetery
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study reinterprets a selection of elite tombs at the Majiayuan Cemetery (4th–3rd centuries BCE) as belonging to Xirong ritual specialists. Analysis reveals a stratified ritual system: beaded caps served as widespread elite cosmograms, while specialized, hip-suspended bronze mirrors were restricted to a few. Situating these objects within broader Inner Asian traditions demonstrates the caps connected wearers to the spirit world, and that the mirrors functioned as active spirit-conduits, marking their bearers as specialized mediators. Examination of the material evidence further reveals Xirong ritual as a purposeful synthesis, selectively adapting imported and local mirror technologies to serve a coherent local cosmology. Mortuary parity between these specialists and martial elites—sharing high-status goods like chariots—indicates spiritual authority was a foundational pillar of Xirong power, valued equally with martial prowess. This interpretation of the Xirong places them as agentive architects of a hybrid ritual system and as vital cultural intermediaries on the Warring States frontier.
Source: Religions
DOI: 10.3390/rel17020187
Authors: Yan Xie, Francesca Monteith, Wei Zhang, Yiheng Xian, Chun Yu
Institution: Northwest University
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
OpenAlex ID: W7127376122