文博日历丨像马不是马，这个青铜器上画的动物究竟是啥

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the unique characteristics and historical significance of a bronze vessel known as the "beast face pattern gui," which features a distinctive animal depiction and is linked to a specific ancient tribe in the Shang Dynasty [2][6]. Group 1: Description of the Vessel - The gui is characterized by a beast face with long ears and a body adorned with a "three-layer flower" design, discovered in a Shang Dynasty tomb in Shanxi Province [2][4]. - The vessel's design includes a symmetrical arrangement of features such as horns, eyebrows, eyes, ears, and claws, with particularly vivid eyes presented in a relief style [4]. - The "three-layer flower" technique represents the highest level of craftsmanship in bronze decoration, showcasing intricate and detailed patterns [5]. Group 2: The Animal Depiction - The gui features a realistic depiction of an animal that resembles both a horse and a donkey, characterized by a low head, slouched shoulders, and a strong body, suggesting it may represent a mule [5]. - Historical texts indicate that mules, a hybrid of horses and donkeys, were known in ancient times, and archaeological evidence suggests their presence in the region around 2000 BC [5]. Group 3: Cultural and Historical Context - The animal image on the gui likely serves as a symbol or emblem of a specific tribe, possibly the "Bing" clan from the Jingjie Shang tomb, which had close ties to the Shang Dynasty [6]. - The "Bing" clan was a military aristocracy located at a strategic point, indicating their significant role in the political landscape of the late Shang period [6]. - The presence of other tribal emblems in the same tomb suggests a complex relationship between various groups during this historical period, highlighting the gui as a testament to the cultural interactions of the time [6].