Bohai pagodas

Problem of the ethnic composition of the Bohai ruling elite is actual in Bohai studies. The study of Bohai elite burials helps in solving this actual problem. The construction of pagodas near the graves is one of the notable features of the mortuary ritual of the Bohai elite. Three graves with pagodas were excavated - the tomb of Zhen Xiao, tomb in Madida and Yeonggwangtap pagoda. Also on some of the graves were built religious buildings. This feature of the mortuary ritual of the Bohai elite distinguishes it from the Koguryo ritual. This difference is indicative of the fact that Bohai elite consisted mainly of Mohe tribes. Mohe received a great influence of the Tang culture. But these tribes formed their own unique Bohai cultural character.