This earthernware camel with a monkey on its back would have been part of a group of tomb figurines. It is highly unusual to find a monkey sitting on a camel’s back as more than often, the camel would be depicted with goods and sacks on it.Camels, which are not indigenous to China, were important in transporting goods along the Silk Route. The Han dynasty started the use of pottery camels as burial items. These were mostly buried in the tombs of the aristocracy.The custom of making ‘mingqi’ or burial wares was an ancient one. It is thought these wares were necessary for the deceased in the next world. Elaborate groups of burial wares were also a display of wealth and social status.
