Among the unearthed cultural relics and handed-down documents in China

the artistic half-man-half-animal images lasted from prehistoric times to the Song and Yuan Dynasties

and experienced four stages: germination

development

change and finalization. In prehistoric times

with the disintegration of totem worship and the awakening of human consciousness

people initially constructed human-oriented half-man-half-animal deities

whose images developed from realistic to abstract

and their function evolved from ornamentation to calming the soul in the tomb. From the Shang and Zhou Dynasties to the Qin and Han Dynasties

the half-man-half-animal deities gradually turned to immortals

dull images became more vivid

and their function changed from exorcising evil spirits and praying to helping tomb owners ascend to heaven and become immortals. In the Wei

Jin

and the Southern and Northern Dynasties

against the cultural background of ethnic integration and multi-religious beliefs

harmony and ferocity were mixed in the half-man-half-animal images

which had the function of guiding immortals and guarding the underworld. From the Sui and Tang Dynasties to the end of the Song Dynasty

due to the prevalence of Confucian ritual and music culture and Feng Shui geomantic omen doctrine

the ferocious half-man-half-animal images turned mild

and their role changed from guarding the gate to blessing the offspring. The changes of the features

functional attributes and cultural connotations of half-man-half-animal images are essentially the changes and developments of ancient people's concept of universe

religious beliefs and aesthetic standards.