An Unexpected Discovery: The Pottery with a Human Face Turns Out to be a National Treasure Over 5,000 Years Old.
In 1973, a farmer named Zhang De Luoc accidentally unearthed a pottery jar in Tinan County, Tian Shui City, Gansu Province (China). This jar features a face and many intriguing patterns. This discovery attracted the attention of local villagers who rushed to see it.
Of course, these farmers did not possess any professional archaeological skills. They believed that while the jar was relatively exquisite, it held little value. Moreover, due to their farming duties, no one paid any further attention to the jar.
Mr. Zhang then took the jar home, cleaned it, and used it as a spice container. Thus, this peculiar jar remained in Mr. Zhang’s kitchen for five years. During its use, neither Mr. Zhang nor his family noticed anything unusual. The jar seemed like an ordinary item.
One day, an archaeological team arrived in Tinan County to investigate. They believed it to be an important cultural site in Gansu Province, as the cultural relics had existed for a long time and many artifacts had been scattered across various locations.
At that time, individuals storing cultural relics without permission was illegal. Therefore, if any cultural relics were discovered, the locals were required to report them immediately to the relevant authorities.
The archaeological team’s investigation caused “a sensation” in the small mountain village where Mr. Zhang lived at that time.
The unusual pottery jar that Mr. Zhang used as a spice container for 5 years.
Mr. Zhang presented the jar he had discovered to the experts for careful examination. The jar measures approximately 31.8 cm in height, 4.5 cm in diameter, and 6.8 cm at the base.
After inspection, the experts determined that this jar was, in fact, a national treasure.
It turns out this pottery jar is over 5,000 years old.
According to the experts, the pottery jar Mr. Zhang discovered dates back approximately 5,000 years, when pottery was not yet widespread. As a result, this jar is considered very valuable for research. Furthermore, the intricate patterns on the jar could unveil some unresolved mysteries.
What is the purpose of this peculiar jar?
The purpose of this jar remains a topic of much debate.
So, what was this 5,000-year-old treasure used for? If it was merely an everyday item at that time, then it truly is a rare treasure due to its complex and exquisite appearance.
Experts suggest that the delicate decoration on the human-faced jar may indicate it served as both a decorative piece and an item of artistic value during that period.
Additionally, some experts speculate that this pottery jar may have been used for sacrificial purposes. Although there is still much debate regarding its intended use, this jar stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of artisans from 5,000 years ago.
At that time, pottery making was no easy task. Therefore, this ancient jar can be regarded as a ceramic masterpiece and rightfully deserves its status as a national treasure. Currently, the approximately 5,000-year-old pottery jar is preserved and displayed at the Gansu Provincial Museum (China).
