The Camel's Load in Life and Death Iconography and Ideology of Chinese Pottery Figurines from Han to Tang and Their Relevance to Trade Along the Silk Routes

A detailed study of the role of camels in Silk Road trade over a period of 1000 years. The main source of information is the earthenware statuettes placed in graves of the Han, Tang (206 BC-907 AD) and later dynasties. After a consideration of the breeding of camels and the practicalities of using them as beasts of burden, the author explores the cargoes they carried, their sources and destinations. Readable and well illustrated.