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초록
This paper examines four different types of images of a couple of half human-half serpent deities which are often regarded as "Fuxi and Nüwa". They are respectively from the Han(漢) relief sculpture, Dunhuang wall paintings, Goguryeo mural paintings, and Astana silk paintings. By scrutinizing their iconographical differences and comparing them with other similar and older images including Nagas from India, Ningishzida from Mesopotamia and Caduceus from Greece, this paper suggests ideas as follows. First, we need to define a boundary of the image of "Fuxi and Nüwa" more clearly. Second, we should move away from existing theory that images of the couple have originated from Chinese indigenous dragon-totemism. Given that no such images of half human-half serpent couple have been found in China that date from before the Han dynasty, we can assume that the pattern itself was influenced by other cultures from distinct regions along the Silk Road.