小马也有“成人礼”

Core Viewpoint - The discovery of the Zun (a bronze vessel in the shape of a young horse) provides significant insights into the equestrian practices and ancient livestock history of the Western Zhou Dynasty in China [2][3]. Group 1: Description of the Zun - The Zun, measuring 32.4 cm in height and 34 cm in length, weighs 5.68 kg, making it the earliest known horse-shaped bronze vessel [2]. - It serves a dual purpose as both a sculpture and a practical wine vessel, featuring a simple decorative design with swirling and cloud patterns [2]. - The Zun includes inscriptions that commemorate a ceremonial event involving the Zhou king and the honoring of the maker, highlighting the cultural significance of the artifact [2]. Group 2: Historical Context and Significance - The inscriptions on the Zun reference the "Zhi Ju" ceremony, which marks the transition of young horses into service, emphasizing the importance of horses in military and agricultural contexts during the Zhou Dynasty [3]. - The high value of horses in ancient China is illustrated by historical records indicating that five slaves could be exchanged for one horse and a bundle of silk, underscoring the economic significance of equestrian practices [3]. - The Zun's discovery is pivotal for research on Western Zhou equestrian policies and ancient Chinese livestock history, with its design inspiring the mascot for the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala [3].