3D Gallery of the IHP

This artifact, excavated from Tomb M331 at Hsiao-t'un (Xiaotun) of the Yinxu archaeological site, was found positioned at the head of the tomb occupant alongside several jade fish and turquoise stones, likely constituting a headdress or similar adornment ensemble. The hairpin uses bas-relief (low or shallow relief) to depict a standing falcon. It is a typical artifact of the late Neolithic Shijiahe culture from the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and evidence of the Shang dynasty custom of using “curios,” a phenomenon also observed in the tomb of Lady Fu Hao. The standing falcon, namely the upper section of the hairpin, features crossed wings and a tucked tail as well as a perforation below the beak and another below the tail.

Establishing the perforations has encountered challenges. This model is for reference only.