Mee Lee

Unknown

Well

private collection

This animal-shaped pottery was excavated from the Beixin cultural site in Shandong Province, dating back to approximately 5300 to 4100 BCE. It is an important representative of the early Neolithic period in the lower Yellow River region. The vessel is made of handmade red pottery with tempered clay, featuring a vivid portrayal with stout legs and a plump body, showcasing the early agricultural settlements' observation and reverence for animals. Its back has raised ears and handles, while the round belly and wide mouth suggest it may have been used for holding liquids or for ritualistic purposes. This piece not only reflects the highly developed pottery techniques and aesthetic pursuits of Beixin culture but also mirrors the diverse integration of lifestyle, production, and religious concepts in primitive society, serving as a microcosm of the important developmental trajectory of early agricultural civilization in the eastern region.

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