Northern Wei Dynasty Weapons

The Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 CE) was characterized by strong military power, more integrated culture. Lu (2018) asserts that during this period some of the most important traditional Chinese weapons were used by Mulan warriors. Such weapons include the Jian, a double-edged straight sword, the Dao, a single-edged saber, the Qiang or spear, gun or staff, and the Ge or dagger-axe. These were the most famous weapons of the time.

Jian (Double-Edged Straight Sword)

The Jian is straight, double-edged sword also referred to as the ‘Gentleman of weapons’. The tool has been used for over 2500 years in China and the world. During the Northern Wei, the jian was more elegant with a standard length of between 70 to 100 cm (Pearce, 2023). The ability to slash with the side of the blade and chop with the edge of it and stabbing made the weapon appropriate in combat. Zhao & Lyu (2020) argues that the jian was preferred by nobles as well as, exceptional fighters, because of its flexibility and measure. Jian was made of high-quality steel that had to be forged, and the facet of the blade often had carving that demonstrated the craftsmanship.

Jian (Double-Edged Straight Sword) (Lu, 2018)

Dao (Single-Edged Saber)

Dao had a single edge and slightly curved shape and was widely used by many soldiers during Northern Wei Dynasty. Duan (2018) points out that its design enabled strong slash-strike action; and the curve of the blade made it especially suitable for use during mounted combat, where one can swing at the enemy. In length, the dao slightly differed, and most were longer than the jian, that gave an obvious advantage in reach. The grip was smoothed by further adornment with leather or cord, which predicted for intensive fights and battles (Cheng, 2021).

Dao (Single-Edged Saber) (Cheng, 2021)

Dao (Single-Edged Saber)

Dao (Single-Edged Saber) (Cheng, 2021)

Qiang (Spear)

The Qiang spear was widely used in the military of the Northern Wei dynasty. Its lengthy handle measured about one to three feet and was crafted usually from white wax wood material, on the head of the spearhead there was a sharp metallic extension (Lu, 2018). The length of the Qiang allowed soldiers to guard enemies at a longer distance as opposed to them reaching for the spears. The spearhead was planned to be leaf and was used both for stabbing and cutting. Some of the designs included kneeler just below the blade saying that they confuse the opponent and inhibit blood soaking the handle.

Chinese Qiang (Spear) (Duan, 2018).

Gun (Staff)

The gun was used for self-defense during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Cheng (2021) describes the gun as a wooden staff that was apparently introduced during the Northern Wei period. It was constructed using hardwood like oak or birch, the gun proved effective and had multiple functions. Its length depended on the length of the user’s body and it was usually of height to the human, to enable different styles, which included striking, sweeping and blocking (Zhao & Lyu, 2020). Loved for its efficiency and utilizing its simplicity, the gun was an instrument that took a great deal of skill and precision by the holder.

Gun (Staff) (Pearce, 2023).

Gun (Staff)

Gun (Staff) (Pearce, 2023).

Ge (Dagger-Axe)

Possible the oldest class of Chinese weapon, the ge, or dagger axe, is first recorded in the Shang dynasty of China (Duan, 2018). In the Northern Wei period, the ge transformed from a threatened weapon with a downward hanging horizontal blade at the end of an extended handle. This design let the warriors ‘hook’ and pull their adversary, or the latter’s weapon, helping them to get the upper hand in a fight. The ge was accompanied in several ways and provided extra utility to a soldier’s equipment.

Ge (Dagger-Axe) (Zhao & Lyu, 2020)

References

Cheng, X. I. N. G. (2021). The Research on the Psychological Tactic of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Psychology, 11(10), 441-448.
Duan, W. (2018). Ming China as a Gunpowder Empire: Military Technology, Politics, and Fiscal Administration, 1350-1620. Washington University in St. Louis.
Lu, Z. (2018). Generation of a Historical Weapon Ge and Its Impacts on Huaxia Culture. Asian Culture and History, 10(1), 57-70.
Pearce, S. (2023). Northern Wei (386-534): A New Form of Empire in East Asia. Oxford University Press.
Zhao, Q., & Lyu, Q. (2020). Western Cultural Factors in Weapons and Military Supplies of Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties as Well as Sui and Tang Dynasties.