Restudy on the functions of the bow-shaped objects

This paper discuss the functions of the bow-shaped objects recovered in Yin and Zhou dynasty remains in China, and in Karasuk culture in South Siberia in Russia. These bow-shaped objects are ambiguous to both Chinese and Russian researchers in terms of their morphology and functions, thus having been on the hot debate for a long time. One of the main hypotheses of these implements refers to «rein holder» for the charioteers or riders to free their hands. If this hypothesis explains the only function of the bow-shaped implements, they must be only related to the charioteers or riders, since only the charioteers and riders control the reins when riding. However, some findings are not in accord with the hypothesis, which are presented in this paper. In Dasikong M175 burial of Yinxu site, two bow-shaped objects were found in the tomb with only one single-rider chariot. The extra bow-shaped object obviously did not serve for the same function to the only charioteer at the same time. Moreover, there are also some tombs discovered with even more bow-shaped objects in groups. Specimens in the same group are of the same size, shape and pattern, which are considered as applied for one specific chariot. Therefore, these bow-shaped objects are not only related to the charioteers or riders, but also to the passengers. We supposed that the bow-shaped implement serves as «safety belt» for both charioteer and passengers on the chariot, for the safety purpose when in motion. Of course, the bow-shaped implement also may be used as «rein holders» at the same time.