tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440874506535632537.post1324795350440076033..comments2024-03-28T09:46:40.322+01:00Comments on MONGOLS CHINA AND THE SILK ROAD : A Mysterious Stranger in ChinaHans van Roonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13577124666014224950noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4440874506535632537.post-86364135629128704802011-09-26T20:08:49.239+02:002011-09-26T20:08:49.239+02:00Concerning:
RV-AE121_MASTER_DV_20110902024140.jpg
...Concerning:<br />RV-AE121_MASTER_DV_20110902024140.jpg<br /><br />It is likely that it is an iranic figure; however the odds of this figure being a zoroastrian priest is highly unlikely.<br /><br />Firstly it is likely that this is some emissary of sorts, however main stream orthodox zoroastrian priests wore face masks, and three belts if l remember correctly, yet this figure wore somewhat different attire. <br /><br />What is distinctive is the (1). head dressing includes binding the long "hair" in a bulb in front in a closed cloth covering which they were probably not allowed to cut like modern day Sikhs; (2) Looking at the forehead he is wearing something like a "crown" or "head dress" or frontal tiara - this may indicate status and religious affiliation probably inscribed with rank and insignia - possibly a lesser magi (order) who probably where not part of the main stream zoroastrian or magi schools. <br /><br />He could be a magician, or a court entertainer, though<br />ancient Persia and its emissaries had traditionally seemed more interested in the Western world and the fertile crescent which was of strategic geo-political value. China lay beyond impassible mountains and a high desert. Diplomatic contact, besides trade with the Chinese empire was limited.<br /><br />Musicians - did not wear face masks, and never wore a tiara. They were lower ranking, Zoroastrian society was very strictly delineated by class. That may have been the reason why it fell so quickly in the Sassind period. <br /><br />I can not make out if the figure wore jewelry or distinctive clothes. It is said that Magi only wore one or two Kusti - that is the string that binds them. The question is, are his clothes made of linen? And does he carry on his right a scroll? If he is then he can be a zoroastrian or magi.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com