Tao Kunlun slave figurines

[Tao Kunlun slave figurines]

Tao Kunlun slave figurines, Tang Dynasty, 24.5 cm high
The figure is short, with head twisted to one side, dark skin, curly hair, wearing a narrow sleeve and right lapel, with silk rope tied at the waist, and two feet left, which is the image of Kunlun Nu known by the Tang people
The term “Kunlun” refers to black things in addition to Kunlun Mountain in ancient China. The Tang people continue to use this meaning to call people with black skin Kunlun people. The Old Book of the Tang Dynasty, The Biography of Nanman, said: “In the south of Linyi, all the black people have curly hair and black body, and the common name is’ Kunlun ‘.” Most of these black people come from the southern islands and Africa, so Kunlun is a general term, not a specific region or country. Zhou Qufei of the Song Dynasty recorded in the third volume of the “Ling Wai Dai Ans”: “There are Kunlun Tieji Kingdom on the southwest sea, connecting with the big islands,… The islands are full of savages, who are as black as paint, and they can be caught with their fists. They can be lured for food, and they can be sold as slaves.” Most of these people were trafficked to the Tang Dynasty. When they arrived in Central China, they either learned music and dance for entertainment, or served as slaves for their masters, so they were called Kunlun slaves at that time
At present, most of the Kunlun slave figurines found in archaeology are naked and wearing sheepskin shorts. This pottery figurine, however, is wearing a long robe and tied at the waist. It is obviously accepting the living habits of the Tang people.