Despite holding a marginal role in a deeply patrilineal social structure, the depiction of women in the tombs reveals their importance in several contexts. Both in mural painting and in terracotta sculpture, women are frequently portrayed standing up, with a long-sleeved gown and their hands clasped over their waist, expressing their willingness to serve the needs of the women of the aristocratic elite or the royal family. These figures were usually placed in the tombs in relatively large groups, mirroring what took place in real life.

The representation of mingqi in the form of human figures in the tombs of the Han Dynasty is relatively diverse from the iconographic point of view. However, these sculptures always represent figures from the lower social strata, normally associated with the services provided in the manor houses or the imperial court, whether they are servants, cooks, animal keepers, musicians, dancers or other figures connected with the entertainment and well-being of the elite.

The simplicity of the sculptures, both in terms of their attire and the uprightness and readiness of the figures or the absence of iconographic attributes, are indicative elements of the personal servants who usually accompanied the aristocratic elite of the imperial entourage.