文博日历丨西周“三不像”高萌来袭~

Group 1 - The article introduces a mythical creature called "貘" (mò), which combines features of sheep, pigs, and bears, characterized by its short neck, round eyes, large ears, and a plump body [4][8] - The discovery of the "貘" is significant for understanding ancient Chinese geography, as it suggests that this creature lived in the Shanxi region around 3,000 years ago, indicating a different climate and environment compared to today [11][13] - The "貘" was associated with protective symbolism in the Western Zhou period, believed to ward off evil and ensure safety [8][11] Group 2 - The extinction of the "貘" is attributed to climate change and human activities, including habitat reduction due to agricultural development and hunting for its skin, which was considered a luxury item [17][19] - The article mentions the existence of the Malayan tapir, a close relative of the "貘," which provides insights into the characteristics of the ancient "貘" [19] - Various ancient artifacts, such as bronze vessels modeled after animals, reflect the historical distribution of species like the "貘" and contribute to ecological history [21][23]