Chinese Tombs Speak Up

In this online gallery, students will discover goods from the tombs of Imperial China, beginning with one of the most prosperous and stable periods in Chinese history, the Han dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A. D.), and continuing to the glorious and cosmopolitan time of the Tang dynasty (618-907 A.D.). Acting as amateur archaeologists, they will closely examine each object and look for clues that tell us about everyday life in traditional Chinese society, as well as beliefs about death and the afterlife.

Grade Level
• Can be adapted to grades 4-9

Subjects
• Social Studies, History, Science, Art

Learning Goals
• To introduce students to the investigative tools of archaeologists
• To discover the connection between a society’s social values and organization and its burial practices
• To explore the history and culture of two of the most dynamic dynasties in Imperial China, the Han and the Tang
• To develop an appreciation of the artistic achievements of Imperial China

Lesson Plan (to download, click on Thumbnail View and scroll down to Attachment)

Glossary
• Archaeology – the scientific study of material remains of past human life and society
• Artifact – an object remaining from a particular period
• Dynasty – a powerful group or family that retains its position for a considerable time
• Han dynasty – a Chinese dynasty ( 206 B.C. – 220 A.D.) that established a lasting model of imperial order and national pride. Even today Chinese people refer to themselves as the “Han people”. • Mingqi – Brilliant artifacts
• Silk Road – the 5,00-mile network of trade routes that linked the eastern Mediterranean region to China and western Asia • Sinicized – modified by Chinese influence
• Tang dynasty - a Chinese dynasty (618-906 A.D.) that was marked by strong rule, economic expansion and a rich, cosmopolitan cultural life

Related Background Information
• http://www.museum.cornell.edu/HFJ/edu/journey/
• http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_pt4.shtm
• http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/hand/hd_hand.htm
• http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/tang/hd_tang.htm

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