| Xiang Fei Human Mummy | |
| |
| Biographical Information | |
|---|---|
| Name(s) | Rong Fei (Xiang Fei) |
| Age | 54 |
| Sex | Female |
| Status | Concubine of the Qianlong Emperor |
| Height | 164cm |
| Source | |
| Culture | 18th Century China |
| Date(s) | 1734 – 1788 |
| Site | Rumoured to be in the tomb of Abakh Hoja |
| Current Location | |
| Location | China |
| Catalog # | N/A |
Xiang Fei, or in reality, Rong Fei, was a concubine of the Qianlong Emperor.
Known as Iparhan amongst her people, the Uighur, she was said to be a mysterious figure from Kashga famed for her beauty, and a sweet scent. This caught the attention of the Chinese Emperor who had her brought to Beijing. She spent 28 years in Beijing, dying at about age 55.
Upon her death, her body was escorted back to Kashgar and entombed in the Afaq Khoja Mausoleum, an undertaking that took 124 bearers three years to complete.
It is unknown, however, if the alleged tomb of the Concubine is indeed her final resting place. Archaeologists have identified the grave of a concubine named Xiangfei (Fragrant Concubine) outside Beijing.
Mummification[]
This mummy is rumoured to reside in the tomb of Abakh Hoja. The body is said to be well-preserved, with the black hair made up in a bun and a cut on her throat.
Additional[]
Xiang Fei is not confirmed to have existed. She is likely based on a real concubine named Consort Rong or Rong Fei who was one of the most beloved wives of Emperor Qianlong.
In the 1910s, after the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the predecessor of the Palace Museum mistakenly identified a woman in military attire as Xiang Fei while cataloging artifacts. This mistake caused a sensation in China at the time.
The Uighur have a conflicting version of the legend which says the unhappy Fragrant Concubine plotted to kill the Emperor. She was thwarted and was forced by Qianlong’s mother to commit suicide.
References[]
1http://www.silkroadtourcn.com/attractions/Abakh-Khoja-Tomb.html