|
|
 |
 |
 |
| |
| A small crowd of men and boys take interest as
Sargent photographs Bailey Willis about to take a picture of
a spirit screen. These barriers were typically erected just
inside the main entrance to walled family compounds, or in front
of a town gateway, in order to block the approach of evil spirits,
which were believed to be able to travel only in a straight
line. The auspicious symbols have mostly to do with bearing
successful sons: a qilin (magical beast), book, schools,
gourd, etc. The people’s winter clothing tells us that
this was taken while the expedition was in Shanxi; however,
just where and for whom the screen was
erected is unclear. |
Back |
Next |
|
|
