Ancient Chinese Burial Goods: A Fading Tradition

Grave Goods for the Afterlife

In ancient China, the dead were buried with grave goods—food, clothing, weapons, jewelry, even servants or slaves—to serve them in the afterlife and ward off evil spirits.

The practice declined over centuries but persisted in some regions into the early 20th century. Today, it is rare; some families may include a few personal mementos in the coffin.

The tradition reflects a belief in continuity between earthly life and the next.