History in bite-sized morsels

Human Head Pottery Jar

Collection: Banpo Museum, Xi'an

Period: Neolithic era

This head-shaped red clay jar dates from 6,000 to 6,500 years ago. It was a product of the Yangshao Culture that existed extensively along the Yellow River in China, made at the dawn of the Neolithic era, when humans began to polish stone, domesticate animals, farm and form tribes.

It's hard to tell the gender of the figure, but the up-turned lips suggest the innocence of a child. The jar's wide, round belly is also suggestive of the plumpness of a woman's form, and hints at her reproductive capability.

On the back is a spout, through which liquid could be poured inside. The eyes and mouth serve as outlets. They seem improbably narrow, but this may indicate that the jar served some special purpose.

When liquid flows out through the eyes, it resembles tears, perhaps telling the pain of childbirth.