Mee Lee

Unknown

Well

private collection

This "Majiayao Culture Banshan Type Human Figurine Painted Pot" was produced during the late Neolithic Majiayao Culture Banshan Type (approximately 2800 to 2500 BC). The Majiayao Culture represents the zenith of prehistoric painted pottery art in the upper Yellow River region, with the Banshan type renowned for its intricate and symbolically rich decorations and exquisite pottery craftsmanship. During this period, social structures became increasingly complex, and the division of labor within settlements became apparent. Painted pottery served not only practical purposes but also became an important medium for ritual, religion, and social identity.

This piece features a yellow pottery body, with a large belly, round shoulders, and symmetrical double handles. The painted decoration on the body is highly distinctive, depicting abstract human figure patterns in large areas with black paint, where the arms and legs interconnect in a dynamic manner. Such human motifs are not merely decorative; they likely symbolize clan totems of primitive settlements, ancestor worship, or meanings related to certain ritual practices, reflecting the importance that the Majiayao society placed on group connections and ancestral beliefs. The neck is adorned with wavy patterns, adding a sense of rhythm and depth.

These human figurine painted pots, whether used for rituals, storage, or as symbols of identity, showcase the multi-layered development of craftsmanship, art, and social structure during the Neolithic Majiayao Culture and are one of the significant markers of prehistoric civilization in China.

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