Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Implements and Utensils, Volume 4

Page 22

Oxtail Dance

Oxtail Dance original: "旄舞" (Maowu)
The Oxtail Dance is one of the "Six Small Dances" performed by youths in the ritual traditions of the Zhou Dynasty. As shown in the illustration, the dancer carries a ritual staff called a Mao. This implement consists of a pole topped with a decorative animal head—typically a dragon—from which hangs a plume of yak tail hair or dyed oxtail. This dance was historically performed during sacrifices to the spirits of the Earth and Grain, as well as during ceremonies honoring the spirits of the four directions, where the swaying tails symbolized the movement of clouds and the breath of the living world.

Ritual Battle-Axe

Ritual Battle-Axe original: "戚" (Qi)
The Qi is a ceremonial battle-axe used in martial ritual dances, most notably the "Great Martial Dance" original: "大武" (Dawu) which commemorated the military victories of King Wu of Zhou. Unlike a functional weapon of war, the ritual axe is highly decorated, often featuring a broad, curved blade and an ornate socket. In Confucian ritual theory, the axe represents the "martial" (wu) power of the sovereign to eliminate disorder and protect the state. It is traditionally paired with a shield (Gan); together, the "Shield and Axe" dance serves as a powerful symbol of strength and the defense of civilization.

Ritual Context and