Author(s)

Qiwang Zhao

Corresponding Author

Qiwang Zhao

Abstract

Women in Tang Dynasty used hair bands to tie up their hairs or as decoration. Researchers often call the hair band as Mo’e (literally translated as “wipe the forehead”), which is the same as Mo’e used by men. However, the shape and usage method of these hair bands are different from those of Mo’e, but are the same as those of hair bands wore by Hu people who entered China at that time. The two kinds of hair bands should be closely related. Through the comparative study of image materials, this paper explores the influence of the fashionable hair band in Central Asia on women’s hairdressing in Tang Dynasty. In addition, Dunhuang murals, Tubo coffin paintings and handed down scroll paintings can show the custom of hair bands or head scarves wrapping in Tubo. This paper also makes a slight analysis of its origin.

Keywords

Tang Dynasty, hair band, Mo’e, Sogdian, Tubo