Chapter 3 - Commemorating the Dead for the Living : Two Eastern Han (25 – 220 CE) Stelae from Southwest China

Summary

Abstract

This chapter introduces Eastern Han dynasty (25 – 220 CE) stelae as essential documentary sources that can provide us with invaluable information, in particular on regions such as the Southwest that are somewhat overlooked in early historiographies and textual sources. Through the examination of two stelae erected to commemorate Shu commandery Governors Li and Pei in present-day Sichuan province, the chapter demonstrates how their extensive inscriptions can give us an insight into the lives of men of considerable local standing and status. Their contents highlight a number of themes in relation to law and order, education, trade and the economy, agriculture, military affairs, ethnic tribal relations, customs and culture, as well as perspectives on the region's politics and, in particular, the relationship between local officials and the central Han government – information not included in any official texts or records discovered to date.

Keywords: Eastern Han Dynasty, commemorative stelae, Southwest, Shu Commandery, education, indigenous ethnic relations

This chapter introduces Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 CE) stelae as essential documentary sources that can provide us with invaluable information, in particular on regions that have remained somewhat neglected or are scarcely mentioned in early historiographies and official textual sources. Through the examination of two commemorative stelae from Southwest China, present day Sichuan province, the chapter highlights how stelae can not only give us an insight into the lives of those paid homage to, but also provide us with a snapshot of a specific locality or region, its society and affairs in early imperial times. They also provide information on the region's complex affairs around the time of their erection. Their contents highlight a number of themes in relation to law and order, education, trade and the economy, agriculture, military affairs, ethnic tribal relations, customs and culture, as well as perspectives on the region's politics and, in particular, the relationship between local officials and the central Han government. The texts have been skilfully composed and include purposefully chosen references to historical figures and events, as well as literary and poetic sources that must have been familiar and resonant with people at the time. In places, their contents rise above the conventional and provide moving tributes to the departed.