Even as Buddhism started influencing beliefs along the Silk Road and into China the Chinese retained their traditional beliefs in a world after death. This resembled the Chinese world before death and the dead, therefore, needed to be prepared with servants, goods and money. The tombs at Astana, the cemetery north of Gaochang, reflect this. They contain numerous figures such as this horsewomen wearing a tall hat to fit over her bun and veil to protect against the dust of the road. Veils were banned in China in 700 but came back into fashion. It is not clear that the ban would have been enforceable on the Silk Road.
Clay with pigments, wood, silk and hemp
Xinjiang Museum, 72TAM187