-475

-221

3.7

2.7

19.7

HKU.B.1954.0099

This belt hook has a shape of a pipa. Along its body, the ‘cross’ pattern still exists and the hook is decorated with turquoise and an inlay of gold, showing that there were excellent production techniques. On the lower half of the body, 2 small circular gold pieces are embedded, revealing that materials used in belt hooks were means to show the level of people’s social status.

A back stud is situated at the back of the hook and people would insert it into a hole of the belt. The head of the hook is curled upwards, people would then insert it into another hole of the belt and fasten their clothes along the waist. Belt hook was also useful in other situations, for example, when people want to hold swords or objects like jade ornaments. Later, people used belt buckles instead of belt hooks.

It has been found that in the 4th century B.C.E., nomads living in the northern and northwestern areas were probably the first people who brought the concepts of belt hooks. Nomads tried to invade the southern and southeastern areas by breaching the ‘Great Wall’ and they rode on horses in wars normally. Therefore, nomads needed to wear trousers fasten with belt hook and the idea of belt hooks was transferred. However, belt hooks have been found in tombs dating back from the Warring States Period to the Qin dynasty (221–206 B.C.), so people suspected belt hooks might be originated from the Huaxia people too.