The animal face pattern on Liangzhu jade is very mysterious. What does this face mean?

The whole looks like a human shape, with eyes, mouth and nose, like a god of war in a shirt. But on the other hand, it looks like a combination of people and animals, with people above and animals below, which is a little scary. Historians speculate that it should be a ritual vessel. In order to explore the significance of this ritual vessel to Liangzhu culture, historians have also made great efforts.

Above it is a bow-shaped crown with an inverted trapezoidal face frame, intense eyes, a garlic-like nose, a flat mouth and flat teeth. Outside the face is a hat with a feather pattern. Below the feather is a flat arm, which bends inward and the fingers are upturned. Even the knuckles are exquisite. But because the mouth under the nose is big and the teeth are sharp, it gives people a very fierce feeling. A closer look is a bit like an animal.

Liangzhu jade is the representative of Liangzhu culture and a new culture. There are also different opinions about the meaning of this image. Some people think that the animal face pattern is a tiger, while others think that it is a combination of birds and animals. Historians believe that this mysterious and complicated decorative pattern is created by people's feelings and can arouse everyone's respect, worship and even fear.

Because jade was not available to everyone at that time, only rich and powerful people could use it. This ritual vessel can also be regarded as an emotional communication and contact with God or ancestors. The carving on this Liangzhu jade is also great. At that time, craftsmen were able to carve such fine patterns on such a small jade article, and the skill of knife work can be imagined.