ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF ANIMAL-SHAPED HELMETS FROM THE TANG DYNASTY.

This study examines the distinctive military cultural heritage of animal-shaped helmets from the Tang Dynasty, employing a multifaceted qualitative approach to investigate their structural features, historical nomenclature, and cultural symbolism. Through a systematic analysis of 24 excavated artifacts and a comprehensive review of official histories and archaeological texts, the research addresses key questions: What were the historical names and semantic foundations of these helmets? How did their designs reflect both military functionality and cultural symbolism? What roles did they play within the Tang military attire system? The study traces the evolution of animal-shaped helmets from their mythological and ritual origins, through the Han Dynasty military system, to their visual standardization and institutionalization during the Tang Dynasty. It provides the first definitive identification of these helmets' historical names and offers detailed analyses of their design classifications, unique naming conventions, and cultural connotations. Additionally, it proposes plausible hypotheses regarding their materials and craftsmanship. By integrating artifact analysis with textual evidence, this research highlights the central role and multifaceted functions of animal-shaped helmets in the Tang military attire system, illustrating the fusion of material culture and military ritual in Tang society. This work offers a novel perspective on the Tang Dynasty's cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]