JADE EAGLE HONGSHAN

6JADE EAGLE

HONGSHAN CULTURE 3500 - 2500 BC Height: 1.75 inches Width: 2 inches (4.5 x 2.0 cm)

This pale green jade pendant is carved in the form of a bird. This shape has been called a horned owl or an eagle. It was perhaps used as an amulet to ensure good fortune while hunting. It is finely carved with clearly defined head, eyes, beak, tail and outspread wings. A looped hole is present on the back behind the head, probably for suspension. Looped holes of this type are found only in Hongshan jades.