Mafu, named1667 historical plate
Actual1000-pixel plate directly inspected and full printed caption compared with primary text. Human-faced tiger body; caption explicitly states infantlike voice, human diet and Yi River context. Smithsonian catalog dates1667/public domain.
Overview
Mafu inhabits Mount Manqu in the Shanhaijing. It has a human face and a tiger’s body. Its voice resembles an infant, and it eats people.
The mountain has gold and jade above and bamboo below, while the Yi River flows from it into the Luo River. The named predator appears within this geographical notice. Its human face and infantlike cry accompany a specifically stated diet of people.
Origins & earliest records
China; Shanhaijing Central Mountains
Records & interpretation
Specific named received-primary passage directly read; historical illustration matching remains separate.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Shanhaijing, Central Mountains
Second central itinerary; Mount Manqu
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Shan hai jing: er shi san juan (Smithsonian digitized edition)
Physical volume2; creature illustration sequence. IIIF canvas index48 (zero based), labelled 馬腹; no printed page number asserted
Actual 1000-pixel plate directly inspected and full printed caption compared with primary text. Human-faced tiger body; caption explicitly states infantlike voice, human diet and Yi River context. Smithsonian catalog dates 1667/public domain.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Primary text transcriptionShanhaijing Central Mountains received primary textResearch access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical illustrationMafu, named1667 historical plate
Actual1000-pixel plate directly inspected and full printed caption compared with primary text. Human-faced tiger body; caption explicitly states infantlike voice, human diet and Yi River context. Smithsonian catalog dates1667/public domain.
