Further discussion on the origins of horse stirrups
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Yunhe Li
Abstract
This study re-examines the origins of stirrups and related issues by reassessing two prevailing theories: the “leather toe loop theory” and the “toe stirrup theory.” Through analysis of original archaeological material from the Scythian, Indian, and the Yunnan Dian cultures, along with new insights from fieldwork and examination of a variety of horse tack, this study points out that both outdated theories misinterpret the original material and present unreliable arguments. Consequently, it is unconvincing to claim that stirrups originated from either leather toe loops or toe stirrups. The improvement of saddle structure should not be ignored in an exploration of the origin of stirrups. The solid-tread saddle, which first appeared during the Wei and Jin periods, not only stimulated the invention of the stirrup but also provided necessary structural support for its use.
Postscript
The original article 再论马镫起源 was published in Kaogu 考古 (Archaeology) 2021.11:90–99 with eight figures and 28 notes. This abbreviated English version, translated by Edward Allen 安达, has removed the notes.
Further readings
Chen, Ling 陈凌. 2007. 马镫起源及其在中古时期的传播新论 (The origins of the stirrup and a new theory on the transmission during the Middle Ages). In Ouya xuekan 欧亚学刊 (International journal of Eurasian studies). Vol. 7:180–214.Search in Google Scholar
Chen, Wei 陈巍. 2017. 马镫起源与传播新探 (A new investigation on the origins and transmission of the stirrup). Ziran kexue shi yanjiu 自然科学史研究 (Studies in the history of natural sciences) 3:333–346.Search in Google Scholar
Qi, Dongfang 齐东方. 1993. 中国早期马镫的有关问题 (Questions concerning the early period stirrup in China). Wenwu 文物 (Cultural relics) 4:71–78.Search in Google Scholar
Wang, Tieying 王铁英. 2001. 马镫的起源 (On the origins of the stirrup). In Ouya xuekan 欧亚学刊 (International journal of Eurasian studies). Vol. 3:76–100.Search in Google Scholar
Zhang, Zengqi 张增祺. 1997. 滇国的战马、马具及马镫 (Warhorses, horse tack, and stirrups of the Dian kingdom). Kaogu 考古 (Archaeology) 5:62–67.Search in Google Scholar
© 2023 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- New archaeological discoveries
- The Piluo Paleolithic site in Daocheng, Sichuan
- The Huangshan Neolithic site in Nanyang, Henan
- The sacrificial area at the Sanxingdui site in Guanghan, Sichuan
- The Guozishan Warring States tomb M1 in Zhangshu, Jiangxi
- The 2021 excavation on the Zhengjiahu cemetery in Yunmeng, Hubei
- Tang dynasty Tuyuhun royal tombs in Wuwei, Gansu
- Reports
- The excavation of M793 at Liujiazhuang North in Yinxu, Anyang, Henan
- The 2015–2019 excavation of the bronze foundry site at the Huanbei Shang City in Anyang, Henan
- Research
- The Lushanmao site and the formation of the Xitu type architectural tradition
- Archaeological observations on agro-pastoralist integration in south-central Inner Mongolia during the Eastern Zhou
- On crescent-shaped objects of the early Bronze Age in southern Siberia and the surrounding areas
- Further discussion on the origins of horse stirrups
- Research on the pottery decorations and manufacturing techniques of the Houtaomuga Phase I culture
- Scientific examination and study of the Qijia culture bronze artifacts from Mogou site in Lintan, Gansu
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- New archaeological discoveries
- The Piluo Paleolithic site in Daocheng, Sichuan
- The Huangshan Neolithic site in Nanyang, Henan
- The sacrificial area at the Sanxingdui site in Guanghan, Sichuan
- The Guozishan Warring States tomb M1 in Zhangshu, Jiangxi
- The 2021 excavation on the Zhengjiahu cemetery in Yunmeng, Hubei
- Tang dynasty Tuyuhun royal tombs in Wuwei, Gansu
- Reports
- The excavation of M793 at Liujiazhuang North in Yinxu, Anyang, Henan
- The 2015–2019 excavation of the bronze foundry site at the Huanbei Shang City in Anyang, Henan
- Research
- The Lushanmao site and the formation of the Xitu type architectural tradition
- Archaeological observations on agro-pastoralist integration in south-central Inner Mongolia during the Eastern Zhou
- On crescent-shaped objects of the early Bronze Age in southern Siberia and the surrounding areas
- Further discussion on the origins of horse stirrups
- Research on the pottery decorations and manufacturing techniques of the Houtaomuga Phase I culture
- Scientific examination and study of the Qijia culture bronze artifacts from Mogou site in Lintan, Gansu
