又萌又猛！这竟然是4000年前的“煲汤罐”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance and craftsmanship of the owl-faced pottery jar from the Qijia culture in Qinghai, highlighting its aesthetic and practical uses as well as its cultural importance over 4000 years ago [4][11][14]. Group 1: Description of the Owl-faced Pottery Jar - The owl-faced pottery jar features a rounded mouth with two circular holes resembling eyes, and a zigzag pattern representing a beak, showcasing a simplistic yet expressive design [4][5]. - The jar's body is decorated with cord patterns that give it a fluffy appearance, effectively capturing the essence of an owl in a minimalistic form [4][5]. Group 2: Functional Aspects - The jar is made from highly fire-resistant material and shows significant signs of use, indicating it was likely employed for cooking purposes [7]. - It possesses a built-in filtering function, allowing liquid to be poured out from the "eyes" while retaining solid residues inside, making it both beautiful and practical [7]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - The owl was revered as a guardian of farmland due to its predatory skills against pests, leading to its depiction in pottery during the Qijia culture period [12][14]. - Throughout history, owls have been regarded as sacred animals, with references found in ancient texts, illustrating their long-standing cultural significance [14][20]. - The owl's representation in various artifacts from the Neolithic to the Han dynasty reflects its enduring status as a symbol of power and reverence in ancient Chinese culture [20][22].