Shamanic Symbolism in the Robe Patterns of the Chu State: A Semiotic and Archaeological Study
Liangying Zeng, Zongyu Xie, Yuyan Wang, Siyuan Zhang, Lifen Gao
IRA International Journal of Education and Multidisciplinary Studies June 19, 2026 DOI: 10.21013/jems.v22.n2.p1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Keywords | Semiotics Exegesis Bridge graph theory Motif music The symbolic Literature Archaeology Art history Foundation evidence |
| Key points | Argues that decorative patterns on Chu robes from Tomb No. 1 at Mashan encode a hierarchical symbolic system representing Chu cosmology, ritual practices, and aspirations for longevity. |
Abstract
The robes unearthed from Tomb No. 1 at Mashan, Jingzhou, serve as typical representative artifacts of the ancient Chu state. Existing academic research has predominantly focused on the textile technology and stylistic evolution of these robes, yet the shamanic symbolism implied in their decorative patterns has long been insufficiently explored. To fill this research gap, this study adopts a semiotic approach, integrating textual exegesis of the Chu Ci with evidence from excavated bamboo slips. Through a systematic analysis of three core motif categories—divine symbols, cosmic imagery, and botanical patterns—the research reveals a hierarchical symbolic system that encodes the Chu state’s cosmology, ritual practices, and aspirations for longevity. These findings not only bridge the gap between textual religious records and material cultural relics but also lay a solid foundation for further research on the cross-cultural transmission of Chu heritage.