An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Amulet in the Form of a Seated Figure with Bovine Headc. 4700–2920 BCE
With a bovine head and four horns, this seated figurine was a powerful ritual and shamanic symbol. Drill holes above its shoulders form two interconnected perforations for suspension, suggesting that the jade was originally used as a pendant, presumably by the shaman performing the tasks of journeying to and communicating with the supernatural realms.
CMA daringly acquired this masterpiece without knowing exactly what it was. Only after Chinese archaeologists started excavating similar jades in Northeast China could it be attributed to the Hongshan culture.
jade (nephrite)
Overall: 13.2 cm (5 3/16 in.)
Gift of Severance A. Millikin
In a distant land, where the whispers of ancient spirits linger like the morning mist, a unique figure rests in quiet contemplation. This striking seated figurine, with its bovine head and four twisting horns, evokes a sense of deep connection to the mystical world. It is more than just a sculpture; it is a talisman, a conduit between the earthly and the ethereal.
As you approach this remarkable artifact, the intricate drilling above its shoulders catches the light. Two interconnected perforations reveal its original purpose—as a pendant worn by a shaman, a brave traveler who journeyed between realms, seeking wisdom and guidance from unseen forces. Imagine the shaman, cloaked in resplendent robes, the pendant swaying gently against their chest as they chant ancient incantations. The pendant, a symbol of their power, shines in the flickering firelight, illuminating the path to the supernatural.
This figurine resonates with stories untold. It speaks of the importance of ritual, of the profound bond between the shaman and the spirits they dared to commune with. In its presence, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, the heartbeat of a culture that believed in the magic of the unseen. It invites you to reflect on the connections we share with our own spiritual journeys, urging you to look within and discover the stories that dwell in the depths of your own soul.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
The best place to view Cleveland Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.