Horse Stepping on a Xiongnu Soldier

The Western Han Dynasty (206B.C.-A.D.23) was very powerful during Emperor Wudi's reign. To subdue the ethnic Xiongnu invaders, the emperor sent troops to fight against them. The commander of the emperor's troops, Huo Qubing, was a young man, who defeated the Xiongnu army six times in the Qilian Mountain area and made brilliant military achievements. Unfortunately Huo died at the age of 24. A big tomb in the shape of the Qilian Mountain was built to commemorate the young army commander Stone carvings of humans and animals stood in front of the tomb as decoration.

These stone sculptures are now exhibited in the annexes built beside the tomb. They are the earliest and best-preserved stone carvings found in China, and also have great artistic value in the history of world sculpture.

One of the most excellent among the many stone carvings of domesticated and wild animals in the tomb is the Horse Stepping on a Xiongnu Soldier.

The horse depicted in the sculpture is Huo Qubing's own mount. Huo had ridden this horse into battle and it became symbolic of him. The stone horse is 1.68 meters high and 1.90 meters in length. It has an imposing appearance, and has one foot on a Xiongnu soldier. The soldier on the ground holds a bow in his hand and has an agonized expression on his face as he draws his last breath.

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