Northeast China, Hongshan culture, Neolithic Period, ca. 3800 to 2700 BCE. Hand-carved from a piece of heavy stone, with a fascinating sparkling black surface, this is a pendant of a pig dragon, a zoomorphic form with a pig-like or wild-boar-like head and a long, limbless body that coils around itself. The form has been described as "fetal" or "C-shaped". The eyes are deeply excavated, appearing to bug out of the face, with a thick brow and lip surrounding them. A small perforation is on the back, perhaps to allow it to be sewn onto clothing or worn on a cord. Size: 1.75" W x 2.2" H (4.4 cm x 5.6 cm) The Hongshan culture, comprised of a group of Neolithic peoples who lived in the far north-east, in what is modern-day Liaoning province and Inner Mongolia, created a sophisticated society and erected elaborate ceremonial sites. Excavations of their temples and tombs have revealed carved stone abstract animal-shaped objects like this one. Provenance: private Missouri, USA collection, acquired 1965 - 1970s All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #137404