Final answer:
The Hanfu, traditional Chinese garments, were originated during the Han Dynasty, but the Xianbei of the Northern Wei Dynasty also influenced its development through cultural exchange and assimilation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hanfu, traditional garments of the Han Chinese, were originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). However, cultural exchange and assimilation during the reign of the Northern Wei Dynasty also greatly influenced the development and shaping of these garments. The Northern Wei, a dynasty started by the Xianbei, a tribe of nomadic origin, sought to transform into a true Chinese dynasty incorporating elements from the Han culture, an effort especially seen during the reign of Xiaowen.
This transformation involved the Xianbei adopting traditional Chinese customs, practices, and attire, including the Hanfu. Intermarriages between elite Xianbei families and wealthy, well-educated Chinese from the Southern Dynasties further cemented cultural assimilation.
Despite this, it's important to note the original establishment and development of the Hanfu occurred during the Han Dynasty, and the Xianbei of the Northern Wei Dynasty merely contributed to its evolution.
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