Epigraphic and Archeological Materials as Sources for Daoist Lived Religion

This roundtable features a research project that moves beyond canonical textual sources to advance the study of Daoism through archaeological and epigraphic materials, including statues, stele inscriptions, cave shrines, temple inscriptions, and inscribed tomb epitaphs. By using these understudied sources to augment the canonical sources these speakers will seek to further understand the social history of Daoism and explore developments and changes in ritual practices that are often invisible in the canonical records. These materials are located in various sites in China and the temporal spread of the project is from the 5th to the 17h century. Collectively, these presentations help us understand how the Daoist faith was lived and experienced in everyday life.
Moderator: Jonathan Pettit, UHM Department of Religion
Speakers:
Gil Raz, Dartmouth College
Richard Wang, University of Florida
Lei Wen, Beijing Normal University