Legacy of the Western Xia
The Western Xia has a highly developed culture. Its rulers placed great importance on preserving and promoting their own ethnic traditions and ceremonial practices, while also remaining open to the continuous absorption of cultural influences from other civilizations.
Manuscript “Buddanamasutra”
Surrounded by neighboring civilizations that had long embraced Buddhism, the Western Xia came under significant Buddhist influence. While the dynasty did not suppress the indigenous spiritual beliefs of the Tangut people, Buddhism emerged as the dominant religion following the establishment of the empire.
A substantial number of Buddhist artifacts have been unearthed at Khara-Khoto, this particular piece is among them, featuring the names of various Buddhas inscribed in Tangut script alongside their corresponding illustrations.
A physiognomy tutorial
Beyond religious texts, artifacts excavated from Khara-Khoto also provide valuable insights into the everyday life and cultural practices of the time. This particular object—a divination manual written in the Tangut script—offers a rare glimpse into the belief systems, ritual traditions, and intellectual life of the Tangut people.
Uyghur Donor Family
In addition to manuscripts, painting was also among the major categories of artifacts unearthed from Khara-Khoto, reflecting the city’s artistic vitality during its peak.
his particular piece stands out as especially remarkable—not only for its aesthetic qualities, but also because, perhaps unintentionally, it offers us a window into the clothing styles and visual culture of the people who lived a thousand years ago.
