Evolution of children's clothing in ancient Xinjiang
A waistcoat unearthed from Xiaohe Cemetery in Ruoqiang county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, dating back 3,800 years. [Photo/seexinjiang.com]
Archaeological discoveries in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region reveal the evolution of children's clothing in ancient times. From the discovery of woolen cloaks, waistcoats, and leather boots dating back to the pre-Qin period (before 221 BC), to the appearance of brocade trousers, silk round-collared robes, and other items during the Han and Jin dynasties, and finally the silk-striped trousers and round-collared robes of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the unearthed artifacts provide a glimpse of the changing fashion of children's clothing over thousands of years.
A woolen children's dress found in the Zhagunluke Tombs in Qiemao county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, dates back 2,500 years. [Photo/seexinjiang.com]
According to these artifacts, between three to four thousand years ago and 2,300 years ago, children in ancient Xinjiang wore predominantly woolen clothing, while during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), as the Silk Road opened up and the Han government began to manage its Western Regions, silk garments from the central plains began to influence local Xinjiang fashion, leading to the adoption of flashy and colorful silk clothes.
Children's leather boots unearthed in Hami Wubao Cemetery date back 3,000 years. [Photo/seexinjiang.com]
The findings reveal a significant cultural exchange between the central plains and Xinjiang. This reflects the mutual influence and integration between different regions and people throughout history.
Children's felt clothes unearthed from Shanpula Cemetery in Luopu county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region [Photo/seexinjiang.com]
The study of historical clothing provides us with a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us, and allows us to appreciate the diversity of human culture throughout time.
A silk painting unearthed from No 187 of the Astana Tombs, Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, depicts two children in striped overalls. [Photo/seexinjiang.com]
A child's clothing is portrayed in the murals of Kumutula Grottoes in Kuqa, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/seexinjiang.com]