On the Origin of Bronze Belt Plaques of Ancient Nomads in Northern China

摘要

The bronze plaques decorated with animal, human or geometric designs were the ornaments on the leather belts of the nomadic people, such as Xiongnu (Hun) and Xianbei (Sienpi) in Northern China in the Qin and Han Dynasties. These plaques had unique regional and ethnical characteristics. There have been many different ideas on the origination of this kind of plaques. The author plans to give his own opinion hereby on this issue.