A formation of xingnu iron bits and its surroundings areas

There are two similarities in the iron bits before Xiongnu Period, as known as Schyto-Siberian Culture period, which was existed around the eastern Eurasian steppe area in terms of using two pieces of iron rods made of bronze and having two holes on the bit to connect to the horse straps. During Xiongnu Period, people accepted the previous traditions which are having the two holes on a bit and making the two edges of a bit symmetrically. They began in earnest to use iron to make the iron bits to make their own shape of bits. The characteristic of Xiongnu iron bits can be seen in the iron bits of Han Dynasty which was existed at the same time with Xiongnu in the structure and shape including having the two holes on the bit to connect to the horse straps and making the two edges symmetrically. On the other hand, Han iron bits have their own characteristics such as using three pieces of iron rods and decoration on the two edges of the bit. The iron bits in Korean Peninsula can be divided into two regional bases, the western North Korea and Yeongnam areas. Among the iron bits from the western North Korea, there are S-shape bits that look similar to one in Xiongnu bits. There are gaps of time and distance in the iron bits from the western North Korea and Xiongnu so that it is hard to assumed that the S-shaped iron bits of the both regions are directly related. But it is reliable that there is technological connection between the two regions in terms of having the two holes on the bit. In Yeongnam area, S-shaped and I-shaped iron bits are found. It is assumed that the S-shaped bits were came to the area through the relationship with the western North Korea. On the other hand, I-shaped iron bits are only found in this area. The I-shaped iron bits look the same with Xiongnu iron bits (e.g. axe blade-shaped bits) so that it could be thought of Xiongnu's impact on Yeongnam except for and manufacturing technique of rods. In this study, I could examine the formation of Xiongnu iron bits and the relationship with the surrounding areas including Han dynasty and Korean Peninsula. Base on the Xiongnu iron bits, I wanted to scrutinize overall aspect of the eastern Eurasian iron bits.