A review of burial sites of the Xianbei period in Inner Mongolia

Among archaeological research of the transitional period from late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages in North China, Xianbei studies hold one of the key positions. This paper is devoted to the review of all Xianbei period burial sites from Inner Mongolia. Based on the primary Chinese and Japanese publications of the material discussed, the author examines the time and circumstances of the investigation of each site, the number of unearthed burials, describes burial constructions, burial rites and grave goods. The entire territory of Inner Mongolia can be divided into three parts: Northern, Eastern and Southern. The Northern part includes the territory of the Hulubuir Prefecture-level City (previously - League) and contains eight burial sites. The most important of these are Zhalainoer, Wangong, Labudalin and Tuanjie. The Eastern part of includes the territory of the Hinggan League with the administrative center in Ulanhot city, Tongliao Prefecture-level City (previously - Zhelimu League) and Chifeng Prefecture-level City (previously - Zhaowuda League) and contains six burial sites. The most important of them are Beimanitu, Liujiazi and Nanyangjiayingzi. The Southern part includes the territory of the Xilingol League with the administrative center in Xilinhot city, Ulanqab Prefecture-level City (previously - League), Hohhot Prefecture-level City, Baotou Prefecture-level City and Ordos Prefecture-level City (previously - Yikezhao League) and contains 29 burial sites. The most important of them are Sandaowan, Dongdajing and Qilangshan. It is noteworthy to mention that “Xianbei” burial sites from the three parts of Inner Mongolia differ greatly from each other which may be explained either by their evolution spreading in time and space or by the ethno-tribal diversity of their masters.