Mortuary Figurine

Glazed pottery figure of a camel with a pack. This figurine would have been placed in a tomb with other ceremonial and everyday objects, such as horses and mounted musicians. Animal subjects were believed to help the soul communicate with spirits and make travel in the afterlife more comfortable. Camels, associated with trade and travel, were the main means of transport along the Silk Road. Passing through the Gobi Desert, camels were better suited than horses to handle the heat. This camels has two humps and can be identified as a Bactrian camel. The piece has a sanci glaze with amber predominating. C461 through C468 is a set.